An Essential Guide to Cardiomyopathy

Lesser-known heart diseases — like cardiomyopathy — are often referred to as “silent killers” because they might not have any noticeable symptoms.

However, cardiomyopathy affects around one in 500 Americans in their lifetimes and can be fatal if left untreated.

That’s why understanding the potential risk factors and symptoms of cardiomyopathy is essential for seeking timely medical care and preventing serious complications.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how cardiomyopathy develops, when you need to see a doctor, and what you can expect from treatment to help you take control of your health.

What is Cardiomyopathy?

Cardiomyopathy is a type of disease that affects the heart muscle.

Unlike other heart conditions that are caused by blocked arteries, cardiomyopathy is caused by structural changes in the heart muscle that lead to stiffness and weakness.

These changes can impair the heart’s ability to pump blood, which may result in complications like heart failure.

Types of cardiomyopathy

There are various types of cardiomyopathy that can be caused by different factors. These types include:

• Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM): This is the most common type of cardiomyopathy that arises when the left ventricle enlarges and weakens, often from high blood pressure, and prevents the heart from efficiently pumping blood.

• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM): This type of cardiomyopathy thickens the heart muscle, complicating blood pumping. Often inherited and sometimes symptom-free, HCM may remain undiagnosed until it poses a severe threat.

• Restrictive cardiomyopathy: This rare form of cardiomyopathy develops when the heart muscle becomes rigid, meaning it can’t expand properly to fill with blood between heartbeats. Restrictive cardiomyopathy often leads to heart failure.

• Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD): ARVD develops as muscle tissue in the right ventricle deteriorates and is replaced by scar tissue, leading to an irregular heartbeat and potential blood flow complications.

What are the symptoms of cardiomyopathy?

Depending on the type of cardiomyopathy you develop, your symptoms may vary. Generally, people with this condition may experience the following:

• Chest pain
• Breathlessness at rest
• Swollen legs, ankles, and feet
• Bloating
• Fatigue
• Irregular heartbeats that feel rapid, pounding, or fluttering
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting

In more advanced cases of this condition, you may experience more severe breathlessness, fatigue, and swelling.

These may be indicative of heart failure, so seek medical care right away to avoid life-threatening complications.

What are the Causes of Cardiomyopathy?

Genetics factors

Genetic factors are usually the most common cause of cardiomyopathy, particularly HCM and DCM variations.

Inherited gene mutations affecting heart muscle growth and function can raise the risk of cardiomyopathy. Abnormal heart muscle growth can restrict blood flow and lead to numerous complications.

Family members of individuals with diagnosed cardiomyopathy are usually advised to undergo genetic screenings and get regular cardiovascular checkups.

Medical conditions

Certain medical conditions may contribute to the development of cardiomyopathy, including:

• Chronic high blood pressure (hypertension)
• Heart tissue damage from previous heart attacks
• Diabetes and obesity
• Thyroid disorders
• Heart valve problems
• COVID-19 infection
• Hemochromatosis (buildup of iron around the heart muscle)
• Amyloidosis (buildup of abnormal proteins in the organs)

If you’ve been diagnosed with any of these conditions or fall into a high-risk group, consult your doctor about your chances of developing cardiomyopathy.

Infections

Viral infections that can cause inflammation in the heart muscle — like myocarditis — can contribute to certain types of cardiomyopathy.

These infections are most commonly associated with DCM variations because they can cause the heart muscle to weaken, reducing its blood-pumping ability.

Although rare, bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections can also be the cause of cardiomyopathy.

Lifestyle and environmental factors

Lifestyle and environmental factors can adversely affect the heart muscle, leading to weakness and impairing its ability to pump blood effectively.

Factors that can impact the heart include:

• Lack of essential vitamins or minerals in your diet
• Substance abuse, such as excessive alcohol intake and illicit drug use
• Use of anabolic steroids
• Exposure to certain toxins and heavy metals

Other health factors

In rare cases, cardiomyopathy can also be caused by other health factors, including:

• Receiving chemotherapy drugs and radiation to treat cancer
• Pregnancy complications
• Connective tissue disorders
• Metabolic diseases

These factors can influence the strength and development of the heart muscle, potentially leading to abnormalities and reduced cardiovascular efficiency.

How is Cardiomyopathy Diagnosed?

Cardiomyopathy is a serious medical condition that should be diagnosed by a healthcare professional. It typically involves the following:

• Medical history assessment and physical examination: This involves your doctor asking about your symptoms, family history of heart disease, and other health conditions, followed by a physical examination to listen to your heart and check for fluid buildup in the legs or abdomen.

• Electrocardiogram (EKG): Depending on the outcome of your medical assessment, your doctor may request an EKG. This is a test that records how your heart beats and can reveal functional abnormalities.

• Blood test: Your doctor may suggest blood tests to detect diseases like thyroid conditions or diabetes that can impact the heart, as well as to identify signs of heart failure by measuring specific cell levels.

• Biopsy: In some cases, a biopsy of the heart is performed to examine the tissue under a microscope. This can help diagnose certain types of cardiomyopathy caused by structural defects.

• Genetic testing: If you have a family history of cardiovascular conditions, your doctor may recommend genetic testing to identify mutations that may contribute to cardiomyopathy.

Based on evaluation outcomes, your doctor may advise additional tests to establish a treatment plan aimed at symptom management, complication prevention, and improved quality of life.

What are the Treatment Options for Cardiomyopathy?

Medications

Depending on the severity of your condition, medications are often the primary treatment for cardiomyopathy. Common drugs that may be prescribed include:

• Beta blockers
• ACE inhibitors
• Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)
• Diuretics
• Digitalis
• Anticoagulants

Surgical and noninvasive procedures

For more severe cases of cardiomyopathy, surgery and other more complex procedures may be considered. These could include:

• Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs)
• Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT)
• Septal myectomy
• Septal ablation

Your doctor will provide detailed information on these procedures if you need to undergo any.

Other treatment methods

Depending on the severity of your condition and how you respond to treatment, your doctor may also recommend alternative management strategies. These may include:

• Lifestyle modifications: Following a cardiomyopathy diagnosis, common lifestyle adjustments often involve dietary changes, increased exercise, and avoiding alcohol and illicit drugs.

• Heart transplant: A heart transplant is a high-risk procedure that’s considered a last resort for severe cases of heart failure where other treatments have been unsuccessful, especially in younger patients.

• Ventricular assist devices (VADs): VADs are mechanical devices that support heart function and blood flow. They are typically used in severe cases of cardiomyopathy when other procedures have been ineffective.

• Holistic therapies: Stress reduction techniques — such as yoga and meditation — may be recommended alongside medical treatments to help reduce inflammation.

To learn more about the various treatments for cardiomyopathy, read our comprehensive guide.

Can Cardiomyopathy Be Prevented?

Preventing cardiomyopathy — especially when it’s related to genetic factors — can be challenging.

However, there are multiple strategies you can adopt to lower your risk of developing this condition and reduce the severity of your symptoms. These typically include:

• Undergoing genetic testing to assess your cardiomyopathy risk and ensure early detection
• Managing medical conditions like hypertension and high cholesterol
• Following a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins
• Reducing alcohol and drug use
• Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce heart strain
• Limiting your exposure to toxins, like nicotine and other chemicals

Additionally, seeing your doctor if you’re at high risk for cardiomyopathy or exhibit symptoms is crucial. Early detection and treatment can mitigate severity and prevent complications.

Where Can You Learn More About Managing and Treating Conditions Like Cardiomyopathy?

If you’re concerned about your heart health or want to know more about cardiomyopathy, LifeMD is here to help.

LifeMD can connect you to a team of medical professionals who can provide information and guidance on managing cardiomyopathy while avoiding further complications.

Make an appointment today to get started.