Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy is the diagnosis for any heart muscle disease or disorder that limits the heart's ability to pump blood.
There are three main types of cardiomyopathy:
- Dilated Cardiomyopathy-- The most common form of cardiomyopathy, the heart cavity is enlarged and stretched, eventually limiting the heart's pumping ability, possibly leading to heart failure. Arrhythmias also may occur.
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy--The left ventricle muscle enlarges or "hypertrophies." This obstructs blood flow and sometimes alters the mitral valve, causing it to leak. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most common inherited heart defect, occurring in one of 500 individuals.
- Restrictive cardiomyopathy-- The least common type, the myocardium (heart muscle) of the ventricles becomes rigid, making it more difficult for the ventricles to fill with blood between heartbeats.
What causes it?
There are many causes of cardiomyopathy, including hypertension, coronary artery disease, alcohol and valvular heart disease, possibly a result of heredity and age. In some cases there is no known cause.
What are symptoms of cardiomyopathy?
Sometimes people with cardiomyopathy have no signs and symptoms initially, although they usually develop as the disease progresses. Symptoms may include:
- Breathlessness with exertion or even at rest
- Swelling of the legs, ankles and feet
- Bloating (distention) of the abdomen with fluid
- Fatigue
- Irregular heartbeats that feel rapid, pounding or fluttering
- Dizziness, lightheadedness and fainting
How is cardiomypathy treated?
Left untreated, cardiomyopathy will always get worse. Treatment options for patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy depend upon the heart condition and severity of symptoms.
At Stamford Hospital's Heart and Vascular Institute we offer many of the mechanical interventional and surgical options for treating the different kinds of cardiomyopathy. Treatment can include medication, surgery or the implantion of a pacemaker or automatic defibrillator. Your cardiologist will discuss your options.
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