About Cardiomyopathy

Different types of cardiomyopathies interfere in different ways with the heart’s ability to pump blood. They may change the way your heart functions (squeezes or relaxes), the way your heart is shaped (enlargement of the chambers, thickening of the chamber walls), or the structure of the heart muscle itself (differences such as scarring or a spongy appearance).

If the disease worsens, it can become more difficult for the heart to pump blood, sometimes leading to a condition known as “heart failure,” which means that the weakening or stiffness has started to cause other symptoms such as water retention.

Additionally, a heart with cardiomyopathy can have a harder time beating normally, which can result in abnormal heart rhythms called arrhythmias. Arrhythmias may not necessarily lead to noticeable symptoms but can still increase the risk for sudden cardiac death, stroke, and other complications. Other complications of cardiomyopathy may include heart valve problems and pulmonary hypertension.

Catching cardiomyopathy early and getting proper treatment from experts gives you the best chance to live a healthy life. Some people never experience serious problems related to their inherited cardiomyopathy and may just need regular checkups. Some may need medications and possibly an implanted device or procedure to protect against arrhythmia. A small number of people with severe cardiomyopathy may need an implantable pump for mechanical support of the heart or a heart transplant.

Generally, cardiomyopathy treatment tries to:

• Reduce symptoms so they do not interfere with your day-to-day life
• Target the cause of the disease, when possible
• Slow or prevent damage to the heart muscle and the electrical system
• Help the heart function better
• Protect against dangerous complications such as arrhythmia, heart failure, sudden cardiac arrest, or stroke