Understanding Cardiomyopathy Symptoms and Management
Table of Contents Help Others Discover – Click to Share! Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Your browser does not support the audio tag. Table of Contents Cardiomyopathy is one of the most significant heart conditions affecting people worldwide, often going unnoticed until it leads to serious complications. It weakens the heart muscle, disrupts blood circulation, and, if left untreated, can progress to heart failure or sudden cardiac arrest. Recognising early cardiomyopathy symptoms is vital for timely intervention and better outcomes. Living with a chronic heart condition can easily feel like you have a massive weight on your shoulders, but Cellmaflex makes it easier for patients to manage their own health. Patients can book appointments online without any phone calls, access their medical history from any location and find a doctor, pharmacy, lab and imaging close to them. The convenience of Cellmaflex is hugely supportive for patients with, or concerned about, cardiomyopathy, where prompt diagnosis and ongoing monitoring is key. In this blog, we will address the essential information regarding cardiomyopathy. What is cardiomyopathy, the types, causes, cardiomyopathy symptoms and risk factors, as well as diagnosis, complications and treatment. What is Cardiomyopathy? Cardiomyopathy encompasses a range of conditions that impair the heart muscle’s capacity to pump blood efficiently. Different from coronary artery disease or valve issues, cardiomyopathy makes the heart muscle weak or stiff. Cardiomyopathy can ultimately lead to heart failure, arrhythmias, or even sudden death. In 2019, there were approximately 3.73 million cases of obstructive cardiomyopathy (OC) and 0.71 million cases of atypical cardiomyopathy (AC) globally. In 2019, there were – 475,458 (range ~339,942–638,363) new cases of cardiomyopathy and myocarditis among older adults (aged 60-89). Global disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) in 2019 for CM-MC in older adults were – 3,372,716, according to National Library of Medicine. Types of Cardiomyopathy Cardiomyopathy isn’t a single disease but a category with several types: Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM): The most common form, which causes the heart’s chambers to enlarge and the heart’s ability to pump blood to weaken – often presenting with fatigue, breathlessness or swelling. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): The heart muscle thickens, often in the left ventricle, making it harder for blood to leave the heart. This type is frequently inherited and can lead to fainting or even sudden cardiac death in young athletes. Restrictive Cardiomyopathy (RCM): The rarest type. The heart muscle becomes rigid and stiff, restricting filling between beats while the pumping ability remains normal or near normal. Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC): A rare inherited condition where healthy muscle in the right ventricle is replaced by fibrous or fatty tissue, causing dangerous arrhythmias. For patients diagnosed with any of the above types, keeping test results, prescriptions, and imaging scans organised is critical. Cellmaflex ensures that all of this information is consolidated into one secure spot and is readily available at anytime, anywhere. Causes & Risk Factors The causes of cardiomyopathy are diverse and sometimes unknown. Common factors include: Genetic mutations that run in families Previously inflicted damage to the heart, such as prior heart attack or coronary artery disease Long-term high blood pressure, which forces the heart to work harder Metabolic disorders such as diabetes or thyroid dysfunction Lifestyle that includes an excessive amount of alcohol, drug abuse, or poor diet Infections, particularly viral myocarditis, that kills heart muscle cells. People with these risk factors can benefit greatly with early screening. With Cellmaflex patients can book routine check-ups, receive timely lab referrals, and reminders for follow-ups. Cardiomyopathy Symptoms Cardiomyopathy symptoms can be hard to identify since they can vary significantly from patient to patient. Some patients show no symptoms in early stages, while others may experience sudden severe complications. The most common signs and symptoms include: Shortness of breath with physical activity, or at rest Fatigue, decreased endurance, or just a general feeling of being weak Swelling of the legs, ankles or feet (edema) Irregular heartbeat, racing heart, or strong “thudding” heartbeats Light-headedness, dizziness, or fainting Chest discomfort, especially with exertion. Complications of Cardiomyopathy Cardiomyopathy can lead to major complications if not recognised and managed: Heart failure: The heart can no longer deliver sufficient blood flow for the body’s needs. Arrhythmias: Abnormal heartbeats that result in fainting, and possibly sudden cardiac death in serious cases. Blood clots: Reduced blood flow can enable clots to develop in the heart, which can migrate to the brain and induce stroke. Valve problems: An enlarged heart can put too much stress on the valves which can lead to them becoming stretched and not working normally and develop leakage in the valves that can, eventually, worsen heart function. Diagnosis An accurate diagnosis requires a full assessment that combines medical history with laboratory tests, as follows: Physical exam: Your doctor will evaluate you for swelling, murmurs and irregular rhythms. Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG): To assess for abnormal electrical heart activity. Echocardiogram: To assess the size, thickness, and ability of the heart to pump. Imaging via a cardiac MRI and/or CT scans. Blood tests to assess for thyroid disorders, infection and/or iron overload. Genetic testing to detect suspected hereditary forms of the disease. For patients juggling multiple tests across different facilities, Cellmaflex eliminates confusion by allowing them to upload and share results digitally with any clinician they visit. Treatment and Management There is no one treatment for cardiomyopathy, but treatment that focuses on controlling cardiomyopathy symptoms, slowing disease progression, and preventing complications. The options include: Lifestyle changes – Adopting heart-healthy habits plays a vital role in managing cardiomyopathy and supporting overall cardiovascular health. This includes: Following a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy while reducing salt, sugar, and saturated fats to maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Maintaining a healthy weight, as excess weight puts additional strain on the heart and can worsen symptoms. Engaging in regular, moderate physical activity such as walking, swimming, or cycling, tailored to the patient’s tolerance and doctor’s guidance. Limiting or avoiding alcohol consumption, since alcohol can weaken heart muscle and aggravate cardiomyopathy. Quitting smoking, which improves circulation, lowers blood pressure,
