Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy changes the heart's shape, making it harder to pump blood.

What is Cardiomyopathy?
It is a disease of the heart muscle (myocardium) that makes it harder for the heart to pump blood to the rest of the body.

The Result: It often leads to Heart Failure.

The 3 Main Types

Type	What Happens to the Heart?	Who is at Risk?
Dilated (Most Common)	The muscle becomes thin and stretched (like an overblown balloon). It pumps weakly.	Middle-aged adults, often due to coronary artery disease.
Hypertrophic	The muscle becomes abnormally thick and stiff. The pumping chamber shrinks.	Often genetic. Can affect young athletes.
Restrictive	The muscle becomes rigid/stiff (like scar tissue). It can't relax to fill with blood.	Older adults; rare.

⚠️ WARNING: YOUNG ATHLETES
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a leading cause of sudden cardiac arrest in young people and athletes. It often has no symptoms until a fatal event.
Screening: If you have a family history of sudden death, get screened before playing competitive sports.

Symptoms

In early stages, you may have no symptoms. As the heart weakens, signs of heart failure appear:

• Breathlessness: Especially during exertion.
• Swelling (Edema): In legs, ankles, and feet.
• Fatigue: Feeling tired all the time.
• Palpitations: Rapid, fluttering heartbeats.

Causes

• Genetics: Inherited from parents.
• Long-term High Blood Pressure: Forces the heart to work too hard.
• Heart Attack Damage: Scar tissue weakens the muscle.
• Alcohol/Drugs: Long-term alcohol abuse or cocaine use.
• Viral Infections: Can inflame the heart muscle.

Diagnosis

The main test is an Echocardiogram (Echo). This ultrasound shows the heart's movement and measures the Ejection Fraction (how much blood is pumped out).

Treatment

Treatment depends on the type but generally focuses on managing heart failure symptoms.

1. Medications

• ACE Inhibitors / Beta Blockers: Lower blood pressure and slow heart rate to reduce workload.
• Diuretics (Water Pills): Reduce fluid buildup.
• Blood Thinners: To prevent clots, as sluggish blood flow increases clot risk.

2. Devices & Surgery

• ICD (Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator): A device that shocks the heart if it detects a dangerous rhythm (vital for HCM patients).
• Septal Myectomy: Surgery to remove part of the thickened muscle in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.
• Heart Transplant: For severe, end-stage cases.

Lifestyle Management

• Limit Salt: Aim for under 1,500mg daily to prevent fluid retention.
• Weigh Yourself Daily: A sudden gain of 2-3 lbs in a day is a sign of fluid buildup.
• Avoid Alcohol: It is toxic to the heart muscle.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician regarding any medical condition.