Listen to Your Heart - A Practical Guide To Cardiomyopathy Diagnosis and Treatment

Medical science is progressing with new discoveries and innovations in health care. But unfortunately, so are the life-threatening health conditions affecting the general population. For example, in the fast-paced New York life, cases of heart problems being reported are rising at an alarming rate.

Cardiomyopathy is one of the most common heart diseases. However, seeing the diagnosis on the reports is frightening partly due to the lack of awareness. So let’s understand what this term broadly means to help you better prepare for it.

What is Cardiomyopathy?

Cardiomyopathy is a broad term for diseases of the heart muscle. According to the specification of the diagnosis, this condition typically causes the heart muscle to become enlarged, rigid, thick, or thin. In rare cases, the normal muscle tissue of the heart is replaced with scar tissue.

What are the Early Symptoms?

Unfortunately, Cardiomyopathy isn’t symptomatic in its early stages. In some cases, the heart muscles weaken, leading to heart failure or even sudden death with no prior visible signs. However, symptoms in the advancing stages may include:

1. Fluid buildup causing unnatural bloating, edema in limbs, abdomen, or lungs.

2. Breathlessness and palpitations when walking or even at rest.

3. Chest pains.

4. Fatigue and recurring coughing causing difficulty to sleep.

What are the Causes?

Cardiomyopathy can be caused by a number of factors, like:

1. Genetically inherited; causing the muscles in ventricles to thicken, thus hindering the blood passage

2. Chronic alcoholism

3. Viral infection leading to inflammation of the heart muscle

4. High cholesterol levels due to poor dietary habits causing coronary artery disease

What are the Treatment Options Once Detected?

An echocardiogram will be recommended by the cardiomyopathy specialist at first to assess the situation. An additional cardiac MRI may be required to get a clearer picture in some cases. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the type and severity will determine the course of treatment needed.

In the most advanced stages, implantable devices, like pacemakers and defibrillators, can optimize heart function and prevent death from an abnormal heart rhythm. However, the last resort of a heart transplant or ventricular assist device is reserved for extremely severe cases.

Schedule a consultation with a cardiomyopathy specialist in Brooklyn, NY if you notice any signs or symptoms, especially when you have a family history of cardiomyopathy.