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Cardiomyopathy, also known as an athlete’s heart, occurs when your heart muscle thins out excessively, making it harder to pump blood throughout your body. Although anyone can develop cardiomyopathy, it’s commonly found in athletes and people who are very physically active. This condition can sometimes cause sudden cardiac arrest, so it’s important to know the symptoms so you can recognize the problem and seek treatment if necessary. Learn more about this condition in this article on cardiomyopathy.
What is Cardiomyopathy?
Myopathy means disease of muscle, and cardio refers to the heart. Cardiomyopathy is a relatively rare disorder that affects your heart’s ability to function properly. While its symptoms are often similar to other cardiovascular diseases, there are certain signs you can look for if you think you might have it. A mild case of cardiomyopathy doesn’t usually require treatment or any changes in lifestyle, but it’s important to be aware of how it can affect your health in order to protect yourself from any future issues that might develop down the road.
Causes of Cardiomyopathy
When it comes to cardiomyopathy, there are a number of causes that can come into play. Congenital heart disease is one of them and cardiovascular disease can also be at fault. Cardiomyopathy is generally caused by a genetic defect or it might occur because of birth defects or because of heavy trauma to your body. These types of problems result in muscle damage which leads to cardiac failure. As a result, your heart has issues pumping blood around your body, resulting in complications such as congestive heart failure and arrhythmias. Doctors are constantly trying to get more information on how they can treat patients with these conditions; however, since these diseases are genetic in nature, doctors often have little ability to do much except monitor what’s going on.
Symptoms of Cardiomyopathy
The most common symptom of cardiomyopathy is unexplained fatigue. Patients report that they feel lethargic for no apparent reason. They’re short of breath at rest and exhausted after little exertion. Over time, these symptoms cause a diminished quality of life and can lead to cardiovascular disease and congestive heart failure. Symptoms can occur in conjunction with congenital heart disease or cardiovascular disease; people with a family history of such conditions should keep an eye out for them. The diagnosis depends on diagnostic tests like an EKG, cardiac MRI, and echocardiogram. There is no cure for cardiomyopathy but treatment focuses on slowing progression and preventing complications.
Diagnosing and Treating the Condition
The good news is that many people diagnosed with CM are able to lead full, healthy lives after the appropriate treatment. With congenital heart disease, it’s important to get treatment as soon as possible. If your child develops symptoms of a heart condition—chest pain, shortness of breath, and so on—take them to the doctor immediately. Once diagnosed, doctors will perform an echocardiogram in order to get a better idea of the severity of the CM. This test will show how effectively blood is being pumped throughout your heart and can also reveal any signs of leaky valves or obstructions in your pulmonary arteries. Treatment will depend on the severity of your case and could include medications or surgery to correct damage or blockages caused by congenital myopathy.
