Cardiomyopathy: Symptoms and Diagnosis

The prevalence of heart disease is on the rise. The Global Heart Report 2023 attributes heart disease as the cause of 20.5 million deaths worldwide. But the good news is this report also highlights that 80% of heart conditions leading to heart attacks and strokes can be prevented.  

There are many types of heart diseases based on which part and function of the heart are affected. One such disease is cardiomyopathy. This article discusses the types, causes, symptoms, risks, and treatment of cardiomyopathy.

What is Cardiomyopathy? 

Any condition that causes a deterioration in the functioning of the heart muscle is called cardiomyopathy. The heart is a muscular organ comprising a muscle tissue called the cardiac muscle. This means that any form of weakening of the heart muscles causes a decline in its health and may lead to heart failure.  

There are many types of cardiomyopathy. If you are diagnosed with this condition, your heart muscles are thickening, getting larger, or looser, depending on the type of cardiomyopathy you have.  

Types of Cardiomyopathy  

1. Dilated cardiomyopathy– Occurs when the heart muscles become weaker and larger, making them incapable of pumping blood effectively.  
2. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy– Thickening of heart muscles, making it difficult for the heart to pump blood. 
3. Ischemic cardiomyopathy– Low blood supply to the heart muscle damages and prevents it from functioning normally.  
4. Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia– Affects the right ventricle, leading to abnormal heart rhythm and increasing the chance of cardiac arrest.  
5. Restrictive cardiomyopathy– Ventricles stiffen, making them unable to loosen sufficiently to pump blood.  
6. Transthyretin amyloidosis cardiomyopathy– Occurs due to faulty liver function, causing proteins to form clumps in the heart.  
7. Broken heart syndrome (stress-induced or takotsubo cardiomyopathy)– This develops due to extreme stress and tends to affect women more often.  
8. Left ventricular non-compaction– A congenital type of cardiomyopathy caused by incomplete development of the left ventricle.  

What Causes Cardiomyopathy?   

Cardiomyopathy is either inherited or acquired. If you have inherited cardiomyopathy, the condition has been genetically transferred to you by your parents, and you were born with it.  

Acquired cardiomyopathy, which you develop later in life, may be caused by various reasons. They can be lifestyle-related or consequences of other conditions depending on the type of cardiomyopathy you have been diagnosed with. However, some common causes include the following –  

1. Conditions such as coronary artery diseases, autoimmune disorders, heart inflammation, diabetes, thyroid, high cholesterol, muscular dystrophy, etc. 
2. Lifestyle choices such as a sedentary lifestyle, alcohol consumption, drug abuse, and over-exposure to stressful environments.  

Risk Factors for Cardiomyopathy  

You are more at risk for cardiomyopathy if you- 

1. Are over the age of 30 
2. Have other heart conditions  
3. Are genetically predisposed  
4. Have undergone any form of chemotherapy and radiation treatment  
5. Lead a sedentary, unhealthy lifestyle  
6. Work in stressful environments  
7. Consume alcohol and abuse drugs  

If you are at a higher risk for cardiomyopathy, it is crucial to get regular health checkups to catch early signs of the conditions and treat them with your doctor’s advice.  

 What are the 4 Signs of Cardiomyopathy?  

The most common cardiomyopathy symptoms include-  

1. Shortness of breath  
2. Unexplained fatigue  
3. Chest pain  
4. Irregular heartbeat  

Apart from the four primary signs, cardiomyopathy symptoms may also present in the form of- 

1. Swelling of lower extremities 
2. Lightheadedness  
3. Persistent Cough  

How is Cardiomyopathy Diagnosed?

Your doctor may conduct several tests and procedures to confirm cardiomyopathy. The tests used for cardiomyopathy diagnosis include-  

1. Blood tests– To assess if the levels of all substances in your blood are normal.  
2. Heart tests– These include heart imaging tests, echocardiography, and stress tests.  
3. Genetic tests– To check if you are predisposed to heart conditions or have higher risk factors.  

Doctors may also conduct procedures like- 

1. Cardiac catheterisation– This procedure involves inserting a catheter into a blood vessel that is then threaded into the heart. 
2. Coronary angiography– It uses coloured dyes for X-ray imaging to detect heart conditions.  
3. Heart biopsy– In this procedure, a small section of your heart tissue is extracted to check for muscle health.  

 Cardiomyopathy Treatment 

Cardiomyopathy treatment depends on the type of condition you have been diagnosed with. Some general treatments prescribed for the condition include  

1. Medicines– Prescribed to control symptoms and prevent the condition from progressing.  
2. Alcohol septal ablation– Uses alcohol to shrink your cardiac septum in the case of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.   
3. Implantable devices – Devices like pacemakers or implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) can be used to regulate heart rhythm.  
4. Lifestyle changes– This is a crucial aspect of managing cardiomyopathy and includes exercising regularly, maintaining a balanced diet, monitoring stress, and reducing alcohol consumption. 
5. Heart transplantation – In severe cases of cardiomyopathy, a heart transplant might be necessary to treat the condition. 

 Managing Cardiomyopathy  

Living with cardiomyopathy can be smoother with lifestyle changes and appropriate medical intervention. They may prevent complications and worsening of the condition. Here are some steps you can take to maintain your heart’s health: 

1. Physical activity- Adopt an active lifestyle and maintain a healthy weight. Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle lead to quicker progression of the condition.  
2. Healthy diet and lifestyle– Eat a balanced diet in consultation with your doctor and prevent smoking and alcohol consumption.  
3. Stress management and sleep– Get sufficient sleep and remove yourself from stressful situations.  

Apart from these changes, it is vital to get your heart health screened regularly, be consistent with your doctor’s appointment, take your medications as prescribed, monitor your symptoms and any side effects of treatment, and keep your doctor informed of any new developments.  

To Sum Up 

Cardiomyopathy is a severe condition that affects the heart muscle and may lead to heart failure. Whether inherited or acquired, monitoring your symptoms and consulting the doctor as soon as possible can help you diagnose and treat it effectively. By making positive changes to your lifestyle, it is possible to lead a productive life with cardiomyopathy.