Cardiomyopathy refers to weakening of the heart muscle or another problem with the heart muscle and often occurs when the heart cannot pump as well as it should or with other heart function problems. There are three types of cardiomypathy- dilated, hypertrophic and restrictive. The exact cause of Cardiomyopathy is unknown, however doctors have identified some contributing factors and they are:
Dilated Cardiomyopathy- A condition in which the heart becomes weak and chambers get large. As a result, the heart cannot pump enough blood out to the body.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy - A condition in which the heart muscles become thick and the thickening makes it harder for the blood to leave the heart.
Restrictive Cardiomyopathy- The heart muscle in restrictive cardiomypathy becomes rigid and less elastic, meaning the heart cannot properly expand and fill with blood between heartbeats.
• Pregnancy
• Heart valve problems
• Long term high blood pressure
• Genetic conditions
• Use of cocaine, anabolic steroids and amphetamines
• Drinking too much alcohol
• Chronic rapid heart rate
• Iron build-up in the heart muscle
• Metabolic disorders such as diabetes, obesity or thyroid disease
• Nutritional deficiencies
The symptoms of Cardiomyopathy may include:
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Irregular heartbeats that feel pounding
• Cough
• Bloating of the abdomen due to fluid bull-up
• Breathlessness with exertion or even at rest
• Swelling of the feet, legs and ankles
Contact your doctor if you have one or more symptoms of Cardiomyopathy!