Guest guest Posted July 26, 2004 Report Share Posted July 26, 2004 What is Cardiomyopathy? Cardiomyopathy is a disease in which the heart muscle is damaged or defective. Sometimes cardiomyopathy results from another illness, such as high blood pressure. Symptoms usually occur when the disease is advanced. They include brief episodes of rapid heartbeat, breathlessness, weakness, chest pain, fainting, and swelling from fluid retention. Sudden death may be the only sign that a problem existed. Cardiomyopathy is marked by dilated (enlarged), thick, or stiff heart muscle. Dilated cardiomyopathy, also called congestive cardiomyopathy, is marked by weakened heart muscle that is unable to pump efficiently. The heart chambers enlarge and blood clots may form. These clots can travel to other parts of the body and lodge in blood vessels. Dilated cardiomyopathy sometimes runs in families and can occur at any age. Dilated cardiomyopathy may develop after consuming large amounts of alcohol over many years. If drinking is stopped, the progression of cardiomyopathy may be halted. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy results when the muscular walls of the left ventricle become thick and stiff. The flow of blood in the heart is impaired. This type of cardiomyopathy often runs in families. Restrictive cardiomyopathy is a stiffening of the heart muscle that interferes with its ability to expand and fill with blood between contractions. Often blood clots develop within the heart chambers. Doctors may diagnose cardiomyopathy using x-rays, an electrocardiogram (ECG), and echocardiogram (sound waves produce an image of the heart). Often drugs ease symptoms and increase life expectancy. If the heart is badly damaged, heart transplantation may be an option. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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