What is cardiomyopathy?

Navigating the Challenges of Cardiomyopathy

Doctors defined cardiomyopathies as diseases of the myocardium associated with cardiac dysfunction. Cardiomyopathy is often genetic (runs in families), and symptoms include tiredness, breathlessness, and palpitations. Although a diagnosis of cardiomyopathy can be metamorphic with the perfect treatment and help, most people can live healthy lives. Cardiomyopathy can affect anyone at any age. 

Cardiomyopathy is a set of conditions that damage the overall arrangement of the heart and decrease its capacity to pump blood throughout the body. We know that cardiomyopathy affects the muscles of the heart. It alters the size and thickness of muscle walls or the shape of the heart. The heart condition then affects how the heart functions. It influences the heart muscles depending on the type of cardiomyopathy the person has. 

Cardiomyopathy can lead to an irregular heartbeat, heart failure, heart valve issues, or other complications. The treatment aims to make your heart as efficient as possible while preventing further damage and function loss.

Happy patient after cardiomyopathy treatment

What are the many forms of cardiomyopathy?

Cardiomyopathy comes in a variety of forms, each of which affects the heart muscle differently.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)

DCM is when the muscle in the left ventricle becomes enlarged (dilated) and extends. DCM makes the inner wall of the ventricle bigger but thinner, and heart cells become weak and less able to pump blood out of the heart. We know DCM can affect anyone. It can develop in pregnant women. Cardiologists refer to it as peripartum cardiomyopathy.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)

HCM occurs when the heart muscle of the ventricle thickens (a condition known as hypertrophy) and causes the ventricle to shrink. Because of the thickness, the heart can work harder to circulate blood throughout the body. It can also obstruct the flow of blood away from the heart.

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), also called arrhythmic cardiomyopathy,

ARVC develops when the heart muscle cells do not connect properly, so they die and get replaced by scar tissue or fat. ARVC makes the heart muscle extend, thinner and weaker, making it less able to pump blood out of the heart as it should.

Restrictive Cardiomyopathy (RCM)

RCM occurs when the heart muscle stiffens and cannot relax effectively, making it difficult for the upper chambers to fill with blood. As a result, the heart chambers expand, and blood flow gets disrupted.

Left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC)

LVNC occurs when there is a problem with how the heart muscle develops in an unborn baby. The heart muscle cells do not compact (tightly pack) together as naturally, which causes small indentations in the heart muscle, and it appears spongy. Such affects how the heart works.

Takotsubo, or broken heart syndrome

Broken heart syndrome occurs during high stress. The left ventricle enlarges and gets weaker. It is frequently just transient and typically improves with time.

Alcoholic cardiomyopathy occurs when you consume too much alcohol over a lengthy period, weakening your heart and preventing it from pumping blood properly. Your heart will enlarge. Alcoholic cardiomyopathy is a type of dilated cardiomyopathy. Because of coronary artery disease, your heart can no longer pump blood to the rest of your body, resulting in ischemic cardiomyopathy. Blood vessels to the heart muscle narrow and become blocked. Ischemic cardiomyopathy frequently causes heart failure. Non-ischemic cardiomyopathy is any form that is never related to coronary artery disease.

What are the symptoms of cardiomyopathy?

The symptoms of many cardiomyopathies are similar. In all cases, the heart can’t adequately pump blood to the tissues and organs of the body. Symptoms can cause symptoms such as,

• overall weariness and weak shortness of breath, 
• extreme weakness and exhaustion, especially during strenuous exercise
• uneasiness and extreme fatigue
• Sudden chest pain
• palpitations of the heart,
• attacks of tiredness
• high blood pressure
• Foot, ankle, and leg oedema (swelling)

What is the treatment for cardiomyopathy?

Treatment varies depending on how much cardiomyopathy has affected your heart and the symptoms it causes. Many people may not require treatment until symptoms appear. Other patients struggling with breathlessness or chest pain may need to make some lifestyle adjustments or take medications. 

You can not reverse or cure cardiomyopathy, but you can control it with some of the following options:

• Changes in your lifestyle that are good for your heart
• Drugs, such as those used to treat high blood pressure, avoid water retention, maintain a natural heartbeat, prevent blood clots, and reduce inflammation of implanted devices, such as pacemakers and defibrillators
• Cardiologists may go for a heart transplant as a last choice.

Cardiomyopathy can debilitate, and if fatal damage develops early on, it can lower your life expectancy. The progression of cardiomyopathy also implies that it devolves. Treatments can help you live longer. Doctors perform this by reducing the deterioration of your heart state or by giving innovative technologies that assist your heart in improvising its functions.

Cardiomyopathy Treatment

Who is at risk for cardiomyopathy?

Cardiomyopathy can affect people of all ages. Major risk factors include:

• Family or gene history of cardiomyopathy, sudden cardiac arrest, or heart failure
• CAD
• Severe diabetes
• Excessive obesity,
• Sarcoidosis occurs when the growth of minor collections of seditious cells in various parts of the body. Hemochromatosis occurs when there is too much iron in the body.
• Amyloidosis occurs with the development of amyloid proteins in the heart, kidneys, liver, and heart.
• Chronic high blood pressure
• Excessive Alcoholism

How can cardiomyopathy be prevented?

Some forms, like genetic cardiomyopathy, are not preventable. However, specific lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of some types of cardiomyopathy and manage risk factors for heart health in general. Here are some steps you can take: 

Maintain a heart-healthy diet: This can be about limiting saturated and trans fats, added sugars, and salt while incorporating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. The American Heart Association recommends the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) eating plan can help lower blood pressure.

• Manage weight: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces stress on your heart.
• Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity each week. Recommend engaging in strength training exercises at least twice a week.
• Control blood pressure and cholesterol: High blood pressure and cholesterol are major risk factors for heart disease, so it is significant to keep them under control through diet, exercise, and medication if needed.
• Limit alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can damage the heart muscle.
• Avoid smoking: Smoking narrows your arteries and increases your risk of heart disease.
• Manage stress: Chronic stress can contribute to high blood pressure and other risk factors for heart disease. Fight stress with these healthy habits: yoga, meditation, and deep breathing.
• See your doctor regularly: 

Regular checkups can help identify and treat any underlying conditions that could increase your risk of cardiomyopathy. Your doctor can also screen for cardiomyopathy, especially if you have a family history.

How AI can handle cardiomyopathy?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a powerful tool to improve diagnosis, treatment, and overall management of the condition. 

Sharper Diagnosis: 

AI can be a lifesaver for diagnosing heart problems. How? AI programs can analyze complex scans, like MRIs and echocardiograms, spotting tiny abnormalities that might even miss a human eye. This process can lead to earlier and more accurate diagnoses of cardiomyopathy, allowing for prompt intervention.

Risk Stratification: AI can analyze a medical history, genetic data, and other factors to predict the risk of developing cardiomyopathy or complications from an existing condition. This challenge allows doctors to personalize treatment plans and prioritize high-risk patients.

Treatment Optimization: AI can analyze vast amounts of medical data to identify patterns and trends that inform treatment decisions. This enhancement might involve tailoring medications, recommending lifestyle changes, or predicting which patients might respond best to specific therapies.

Improved Drug Discovery: AI can analyze molecular data to accelerate the development of new drugs for cardiomyopathy. This research can lead to the creation of more targeted and effective treatments.

AI is still under development in this field. While it holds immense promise, it should not replace expertise. Instead, AI can be a valuable tool to assist doctors in making more informed decisions and improving patient outcomes for cardiomyopathy.

Cardiomyopathy can be a challenging diagnosis, but we work with a lot of hope to hold onto.

• Early detection and management: Early diagnosis can significantly improve outcomes. With a healthy lifestyle and proper medical care, many people with cardiomyopathy can live long and fulfilling lives.
• Continual research: Researchers are constantly working to develop new treatments and therapies for cardiomyopathy. This study includes new medicines, minimally invasive procedures, and potential future gene therapies.
• Dedicated support systems:  Many resources and support groups are available for help with cardiomyopathy. Connecting with others who understand your journey can make a big difference.

Remember, managing your heart health is an ongoing process. By taking an active role in your care and staying informed about the latest advancements, you can empower yourself to live well with cardiomyopathy.