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Cardiomyopathy

Trust in the dedicated team at DMC Medical Group to provide the care and attention you deserve. Our medical experts diagnose and treat a number of cardiac problems including cardiomyopathy. Contact us to schedule an appointment with a member of our caring staff.

Understanding Cardiomyopathy

This is a disease of the heart muscle that interferes with its ability to pump blood throughout the body. There are four primary types of cardiomyopathy:

  • Dilated – Also known as an enlarged heart, this is the most common form of cardiomyopathy. It takes place when the heart muscle becomes too weak to pump blood competently and the muscles stretch causing the chambers of the heart to become larger.
  • Hypertrophic –The walls of the heart thicken and prevent blood from flowing through the heart. This condition is potentially genetic and can also be caused by long-term high blood pressure, diabetes, or thyroid disease.
  • Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia (ARVD) – Arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeats, result due to the presence of fat and extra tissue in the right ventricle of the heart. Although rare, this is the leading cause of sudden death in young athletes.
  • Restrictive – Caused by heart disease or scarring after a heart transplant, this is when ventricles stiffen and are unable to fill up with blood. This is the least common form of cardiomyopathy.

Symptoms of cardiomyopathy include:

  • Shortness of Breath
  • Chest Pain
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Heart Palpitations
  • Fainting
  • Bloated Abdomen
  • Swelling of Feet, Ankles, and Legs
  • High Blood Pressure

Treatments for Cardiomyopathy

There is currently no cure for cardiomyopathy and once it occurs it can’t be reversed. Fortunately, there are several treatments that can be explored to manage the symptoms and slow the progression. These treatments depend on the type of cardiomyopathy and the extent of progression.

  • Certain lifestyle changes like exercising, quitting smoking, and adopting a heart-healthy diet will be recommended.
  • Medications will be prescribed to treat high blood pressure and mitigate swelling.
  • Devices may be implanted, such as a pacemaker, to regulate heartbeat.
  • Surgery such as coronary artery bypass may be recommended.
  • A heart transplant may be performed in very extreme cases.

Your medical team will work with you and your individual circumstances to develop a plan for treatment that aligns with your goals and preferences.

Contact Our Office

When it comes to your heart health, there is no room to hesitate. It is important to maintain regular physicals and to pay attention to any changes that signal a problem. Reach out to our office to schedule an appointment so that the appropriate diagnosis and treatment can be achieved.