Cardiomyopathy is a disease that involves a weakened heart muscle. The condition makes it difficult for the heart to pump blood throughout the body.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cardiomyopathy may occur in as many as
Keep reading to learn more about cardiomyopathy, including its symptoms, causes, and treatment.
There are a few types of cardiomyopathy, including the following:
Dilated
Dilated cardiomyopathy is the
The disease often starts in the left ventricle, but it can eventually also affect the right ventricle.
Dilated cardiomyopathy can affect the structure and function of the atria, too.
Hypertrophic
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a genetic condition in which abnormal growth of the heart muscle fibers occurs, leading to the thickening or “hypertrophy” of these fibers. The thickening makes the chambers of the heart stiff and affects blood flow. It can also increase the risk of electrical disturbances, called arrhythmias.
According to the Children’s Cardiomyopathy Foundation, it is the second most common form of cardiomyopathy in children. In about one-third of affected children, diagnosis occurs before the age of 1 year.
Restrictive
Restrictive cardiomyopathy occurs when the tissues of the ventricles become rigid and cannot fill with blood properly. Eventually, it may lead to heart failure. It is
Arrhythmogenic
In arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, fibrotic and fatty tissue replaces the healthy tissues of the right ventricle, which may cause irregular heart rhythms. In some cases, this process can also occur in the left ventricle.
According to research in the journal
In some cases, usually mild ones, there are no symptoms of cardiomyopathy.
However, as the condition progresses, a person may experience the following symptoms with varying degrees of severity:
- fatigue
- shortness of breath
- swelling of the legs and ankles
- heart palpitations
- dizziness
- fainting
The cause of cardiomyopathy is not always clear, but there are some known risk factors.
For example, conditions that lead to inflammation or damage of the heart can increase a person’s risk of cardiomyopathy.
Heart failure, which can occur as a result of a heart attack or other conditions, can also cause cardiomyopathy.
Additional risk factors include:
- a family history of heart disease, sudden cardiac death, or cardiomyopathy
- high blood pressure
- coronary artery disease
- amyloidosis and sarcoidosis, which can damage the heart
- viral infections of the heart
- diabetes
- alcohol use disorder
- some women can have a higher risk of cardiomyopathy after pregnancy
Doctors will carry out a physical exam and diagnostic tests to confirm cardiomyopathy.
They are likely to use one or more of the following diagnostic tests:
- Chest X-ray: A chest X-ray helps determine whether the heart has become enlarged, which is a sign of certain health conditions.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG): An EKG measures the electrical activity of the heart, including how fast it is beating. It also shows whether the heart rhythm is regular or abnormal.
- Echocardiogram: An echo uses sound waves to create a moving image of the heart. It shows the shape and size of the heart.
- Cardiac catheterization: A catheterization checks the flow of blood through the heart’s chambers.
Cardiomyopathy is a serious medical condition that requires treatment.
Without treatment, the disease may progress and become life threatening.
Anyone who has a strong family history of cardiomyopathy or experiences one or more of the symptoms of this disease should see a doctor. An earlier diagnosis may improve a person’s outlook.
Cardiomyopathy is a disease that involves the weakening of the heart muscle.
There are various forms of cardiomyopathy, including dilated cardiomyopathy, which is the most common.
Treatment for cardiomyopathy depends on the extent of the symptoms, as well as the form of the disease.
Treatment usually consists of lifestyle changes and medications. Additional treatment in more severe cases may include implanted devices or surgery.