Cardiac problems are on the rise globally. There are various kinds of problems related to the heart and each has its own kind of prevention, medication and treatment. Heart muscle disease, also known as cardiomyopathy (32), is a common problem from which millions of people suffer in the world. It is a progressive disease of the myocardium. In majority of the cases, the heart muscles weaken and hence the function of pumping blood is hampered. The heart is not able to function as it should.
Different kinds of cardiomyopathy
There are four kinds of cardiomyopathy. They are as follows:
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy – This kind of cardiomyopathy is believed to be genetic in nature. In this kind, there is thickening of the heart walls and there is restricted flow of blood through the heart. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can also be caused by aging, thyroid disease, diabetes and long-term high blood pressure.
- Dilated cardiomyopathy – This is probably the most common kind of cardiomyopathy. In this kind of cardiomyopathy, the heart muscles are too weak and hence they cannot pump blood efficiently. The muscles try and stretch themselves greatly and become thin as a result. The chambers of the heart expand as a result. This disease is also known as the enlarged heart disorder. This kind of cardiomyopathy can be due to coronary artery ailment or can be genetic.
- Restrictive cardiomyopathy – This is a rare kind of cardiomyopathy and not much heard about. In this kind of cardiomyopathy, the ventricles in the heart stiffen and cannot contract and relax so that blood can be filled up. One of the main reasons for restrictive cardiomyopathy is scarring of the heart. This mostly occurs after heart transplant.
- Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD) – Like restrictive cardiomyopathy, this cardiomyopathy is also very rare. But the alarming fact is that it is being seen as a leading cause of sudden death, particularly in young players and athletes. This is a kind of genetic cardiomyopathy in which extra fibrous tissues and fat replace the muscle of the right ventricle in the heart. This leads to abnormal heart rhythms.
People who are at risk of cardiomyopathy
The worst part of cardiomyopathy is that it can affect people in all age groups. People who have the following conditions are higher at risk:
- Severe obesity
- Person with history of heart failure, sudden cardiac arrest and cardiomyopathy
- Diabetes
- Coronary heart disease
- Long term high blood pressure
- Amyloidosis
- Alcoholism
- Heart attack
- Hemochromatosis
- Sarcoidosis
Along with the ones mentioned above, cardiomyopathy can also be caused due to lifestyle and dietary factors, HIV and HIV treatments and so on. There is increased risk of dilated cardiomyopathy and heart failure, in people suffering from HIV (33). If you have HIV, you must have the condition of your heart checked from time to time and carry out tests and investigations as asked. Moreover, follow an exercise program and a heart-healthy diet.
Symptoms associated with cardiomyopathy
Whatever be the kind of cardiomyopathy you might be suffering from, the symptoms of the same are more or less similar. In all the cases, the heart is not able to pump blood adequately to the organs and tissues of the body. Some of the prominent symptoms, which can be seen in cardiomyopathy, are as follows:
- Dizziness and lightheadedness
- General fatigue and weakness
- Shortness of breath, specifically during exercise or exertion
- Heart palpitations
- Chest pain
- High blood pressure
- Fainting attacks
- Edema, which is swelling of ankles, legs and feet
If such symptoms exist for some while, consult a cardiologist without any kind of delay.
Treatments for cardiomyopathy
The mode of treatment, which will be adopted, will depend on the extent of damage of the heart muscles and the symptoms which are evident. For some people no treatment is required till proper symptoms appear. However, if you feel chest pain or breathlessness, see a doctor immediately. You will need to take medications and also make lifestyle adjustments.
Reversing or curing cardiomyopathy is not possible. Here are certain things that can be done:
- Medications – for preventing water retention, treating high blood pressure, reducing inflammation, preventing blood clots, for maintaining normal heart rhythm etc
- Lifestyle changes which are healthy for the heart
- Installing defibrillators or pacemakers
- Surgery and lastly heart transplant
The treatment is done for cardiomyopathy so that the muscles do not deteriorate further and carry on their function in the most effective manner.