Cardiomyopathy

• ischemic cardiomyopathy
• idiopathic cardiomyopathy
• hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
• alcoholic cardiomyopathy
• peripartum cardiomyopathy
• dilated cardiomyopathy
• restrictive cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy is not common but can be severely disabling or fatal. Extreme cardiomyopathy with heart failure may require a heart transplant .

Symptoms:

• shortness of breath ( dyspnea )
• decreasing ability to tolerate physical exertion
• chest pain
• fainting ( syncope ), especially after activity
• lightheadedness , especially after activity
• dizziness
• sensation of feeling heart beat ( palpitations )
• high blood pressure

Additional symptoms that may occur

• swelling of legs , ankles, or other portion of the body
• abdominal swelling or enlargement
• decreased amount of urine
• need to urinate at night
• fatigue , reduced activity tolerance
• changes in mental status
  • decreased alertness
  • difficulty concentrating

• cough
• loss of appetite

Signs and Tests:
Examination may reveal an irregular heartbeat , and heart sounds and breath sounds may be abnormal. There may be other signs of heart failure .

Decreased heart functioning and enlargement of the heart may show in these tests:

• coronary angiography
• echocardiogram
• chest X-ray
• chest CT scan
• MRI of chest

An ECG may show enlargement, old MI , ischemic changes, arrhythmias , or other abnormality.

A biopsy of the heart may be needed to rule out other disorders.

Lab tests may be used to rule out other disorders and to assess the condition of the heart:

• CBC
• coronary risk profile
• blood chemistries
• cardiac enzymes ( CPK isoenzymes , LDH isoenzymes )

Treatment:
Treatment is focused on relief of symptoms and treatment of causative disorders. Hospitalization may be required when symptoms of severe heart failure are present.

Medications to relieve the workload of the heart and stabilize the patient's condition may be indicated. Oxygen can help reduce the damaged heart muscle 's work. Rest is essential.

Prognosis:
The outcome varies. The disorder is chronic and the condition may deteriorate rapidly.

Complications:

• heart failure

Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if symptoms indicate heart failure may be present, or if chest pain is present and not relieved by rest or medication.


This is a cross-sectional view of the interior of the heart. The valves, chambers, and associated vessels are labeled.