Cardiomyopathy

 

Basics Of Cardiomyopathy, Signs And Symptoms , Causes , Risk Factors

Cardiomyopathy:

Overview:

Dilated cardiomyopathy is a cardiac muscle disorder in which the heart chambers (ventricles) shrink and stretch, causing them to become bigger. It usually begins in the main pumping chamber of the heart (left ventricle). The heart's ability to pump blood to the rest of the body is hampered by dilated cardiomyopathy.

 Dilated cardiomyopathy symptoms, such as weariness and shortness of breath, might be mistaken for those of other medical disorders. A person with dilated cardiomyopathy may not notice any symptoms at first. Dilated cardiomyopathy, on the other hand, can be fatal. It is a prevalent cause of cardiac failure.

Men are more likely than women to have dilated cardiomyopathy. Dilated cardiomyopathy treatment may involve drugs or surgery to install a medical device that regulates the heartbeat or assists the heart in pumping blood. A heart transplant is sometimes required.

Types Of Cardiomyopathy:

Dilated cardiomyopathy : In this type of cardiomyopathy, the heart's main pumping chamber — the left ventricle — becomes enlarged (dilated) and can't effectively pump blood out of the heart.

 Although this type can affect people of all ages, it occurs most often in middle-aged people and is more likely to affect men. The most common cause is coronary artery disease or heart attack. However, it can also be caused by genetic changes.

 Hypertrophy cardiomyopathy : This type involves abnormal thickening of the heart muscle, which makes it harder for the heart to work. It mostly affects the muscle of the heart's main pumping chamber (left ventricle).

Hypertrophy cardiomyopathy can develop at any age, but the condition tends to be more severe if it occurs during childhood. Most people with this type of cardiomyopathy have a family history of the disease. Some genetic changes have been linked to hypertrophy cardiomyopathy.

 Restrictive cardiomyopathy : In this type, the heart muscle becomes stiff and less flexible, so it can't expand and fill with blood between heartbeats. This least common type of cardiomyopathy can occur at any age, but it most often affects older people.

 Restrictive cardiomyopathy can occur for no known reason (idiopathic), or it can by caused by a disease elsewhere in the body that affects the heart, such as amyloidosis.

 Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dyspepsia : In this rare type of cardiomyopathy, the muscle in the lower right heart chamber (right ventricle) is replaced by scar tissue, which can lead to heart rhythm problems. It's often caused by genetic changes.

Unclassified cardiomyopathy. Other types of cardiomyopathy fall into this category.

Types Of Cardiomyopathy

Symptoms:

Symptoms In the early stages of dilated cardiomyopathy, some persons have no indications or symptoms.

 Dilated cardiomyopathy can cause the following signs and symptoms:

• Fatigue
• Dyspepsia (shortness of breath) during exercise or when resting down
• decreased capacity to exercise
• Edema (swelling) of the legs, ankles, foot, or abdomen (abdomen)
• Pain or discomfort in the chest
• Heartbeat that is rapid, fluttering, or hammering (palpitations)

Causes:

The etiology of dilated cardiomyopathy may be difficult to pinpoint. Many factors, however, can cause the left ventricle to inflate and weaken, including:

• Obesity
• Diabetes
•  a few infections
• Heart rhythm issues (arrhythmia's)
• Late-stage pregnancy complications
• Blood pressure is high (hypertension)
• Iron overload in the heart and other organs (hemochromatosis)
• Mitral valve or aortic valve regurgitation is a kind of heart valve disease.

Cardiomyopathy can also be caused by:
 

• Misuse of alcohol
• Certain cancer treatments are used.
• Toxin exposure, such as lead, mercury, and cobalt
• Illicit drug use, such as cocaine or amphetamines

Investigations:

LAB:

• Blood Tests
• complete blood count(CBC)
• Genetic screening
• Cardiac catheterization

RADIO LOGICAL:

• Echo-cardiogram
• Electrocardiogram(ECG)
• Chest X_rays
• Coronary angiography

Risk elements:

The following are risk factors for dilated cardiomyopathy:

• Valve disease of the heart
• Chronic high blood pressure
• Muscular dystrophy is an example of a neuromuscular condition.
• Excessive alcohol or illicit drug consumption over a long period of time
• Certain illnesses, such as hemochromatosis, cause heart muscle damage.
• dilated cardiomyopathy, heart failure, or sudden cardiac arrest in the family
• Heart muscle inflammation caused by immune system illnesses such as lupus

Complications:

• Failure of the heart. The heart cannot pump enough blood to fulfill the demands of the body. Heart failure, if left untreated, can be fatal.
• Heart valve leaks (heart valve regurgitation). Cardiomyopathy might make it more difficult for heart valves to seal. A cardiac valve may allow blood to flow backward.
• Heartbeat irregularities (arrhythmia's). Changes in the size and form of the heart might disrupt its rhythm.
•  Unexpected heart arrest. Dilated cardiomyopathy can cause the heart to cease beating unexpectedly
•  Clots of blood form. Blood clots can form when blood pools in the left lower heart chamber. Clots can obstruct blood flow to other organs, including the heart and brain, if they reach the circulation. Blood clots can result in a stroke, a heart attack, or organ damage. Blood clots can also be caused by arrhythmia's. 

Prevention:

• Healthy living practices can aid in the prevention or reduction of dilated cardiomyopathy problems. Try the following heart-healthy strategies:

• Control your tension.
• Keep a healthy weight.
• You should not smoke.
• Exercise on a regular basis.
• Get adequate rest and sleep.
•  Avoid or restrict alcohol consumption.
• Consume a healthful, low-sodium diet (sodium)
• Don't experiment with cocaine or other illicit substances.

Radio-logical findings and Images:

chest x-ray normal verses cardiomyopathy

chest x-ray of cardiomyopathy

chest x-ray of cardiomyopathy