problems with a heart muscle and what is the treatment

Symptoms

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Causes

Several different types of approaches are being used to repair damaged heart muscle with stem cells. The stem cells, which are often taken from bone marrow, may be inserted into the heart using a catheter. Once in place, stem cells help regenerate damaged heart tissue.

Prevention

“The idea behind cell reprograming is to coach the heart to heal itself by inducing the scar tissue, which is made mostly of fibroblasts, to change into functional heart muscle,” said Rosengart, professor of heart and vascular disease at the Texas Heart Institute.

Complications

Watch for:

• Extreme or unusual shortness of breath
• Heart palpitations or missed beats
• Dizziness, faintness or light-headedness
• Severe, sudden fatigue or weakness
• Pain, pressure or a sensation of tightness or heaviness in the center of the chest lasting more than a few minutes and possibly radiating to the shoulders, arms (left or ...

How do you heal a damaged heart muscle?

Is it possible to repair damaged heart muscle?

How to regenerate heart muscle?

What happens if you damage your heart muscle?

Can heart muscle be treated?

Treatment — which might include medications, surgically implanted devices, heart surgery or, in severe cases, a heart transplant — depends on the type of cardiomyopathy and how serious it is.

What can be done for heart muscle damage?

Once disease reduces blood flow, your heart muscle may hibernate. It reduces its function to the point where it's barely keeping itself alive. Your cardiologist can try to restore blood flow and get your heart muscle back to more normal functioning through bypass surgery or by using a stent to open up the artery.

Can heart muscle be repaired?

The heart is unable to regenerate heart muscle after a heart attack and lost cardiac muscle is replaced by scar tissue. Scar tissue does not contribute to cardiac contractile force and the remaining viable cardiac muscle is thus subject to a greater hemodynamic burden.

What causes heart muscle problems?

Heart muscle damage can have many causes, including certain diseases, infection, heavy alcohol use, and the toxic effect of drugs, such as cocaine or some drugs used for chemotherapy. Genetic factors also can play a role. Inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis).

What are the symptoms of a weak heart muscle?

Signs of a Weakened Heart MuscleShortness of breath (also known as dyspnea), particularly when you lie down or exert yourself.Chest pain, especially a heavy sensation in your chest indicative of heart failure caused by a heart attack.Fatigue.Swelling of the legs, ankles, and feet (also known as edema)More items...•

How long does a person live after being diagnosed with cardiomyopathy?

Although there have been recent improvements in congestive heart failure treatment, researchers say the prognosis for people with the disease is still bleak, with about 50% having an average life expectancy of less than five years. For those with advanced forms of heart failure, nearly 90% die within one year.

Does walking strengthen your heart muscle?

With every step, walking offers benefits and is some of the best exercise for heart health. It can improve your cholesterol levels, blood pressure and energy levels, plus it can fight weight gain to improve heart health overall, explains the American Heart Association.

Is it possible to strengthen a weak heart muscle?

"If you have heart failure, exercise training can improve your health status, increase your ability to exercise and reverse patterns of muscle damage that are common in heart failure," said Axel Linke, M.D., assistant professor of medicine at the University of Leipzig, Germany, and a co-author on both studies.

Can you live with half a heart working?

The syndrome is a rare inherited disorder in which the left half of the heart is undersized and cannot perform its function of pumping blood to the body. Without surgery, it is fatal.

How do you repair heart muscle naturally?

7 powerful ways you can strengthen your heartGet moving. Your heart is a muscle and, as with any muscle, exercise is what strengthens it. ... Quit smoking. Quitting smoking is tough. ... Lose weight. Losing weight is more than just diet and exercise. ... Eat heart-healthy foods. ... Don't forget the chocolate. ... Don't overeat. ... Don't stress.

How do you strengthen your heart muscles?

Here are the best exercises to strengthen your heart.Walking. Yes, it might seem a little too easy. ... Weight training. live well centers. ... Swimming. Swimming isn't just for lazy summer afternoons. ... Yoga. Although it might not seem like it, yoga is great for your heart health. ... Interval training. ... Cycling.

What is the most common treatment for cardiomyopathy?

Treatment options for cardiomyopathyLifestyle changes. Stopping alcohol use. Monitoring salt intake.Medicines. Lower blood pressure. ... Surgically implanted device that helps maintain proper heart rhythm.Ablation procedure. Removes extra heart tissue to reduce thickening. ... Heart transplant (for a severely damaged heart)

What is the term for a heart muscle that is too weak to pump blood?

Dilated cardiomyopathy. The most common form, dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), occurs when your heart muscle is too weak to pump blood efficiently. The muscles stretch and become thinner. This allows the chambers of your heart to expand. This is also known as enlarged heart.

What is the term for a progressive disease of the heart muscle?

Cardiomyopathy is a progressive disease of the myocardium, or heart muscle. In most cases, the heart muscle weakens and is unable to pump blood to the rest of the body as well as it should. There are many different types of cardiomyopathy caused by a range of factors, from coronary heart disease to certain drugs.

What is the term for a condition where blood is not flowing through the heart?

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is believed to be genetic. It occurs when your heart walls thicken and prevent blood from flowing through your heart. It’s a fairly common type of cardiomyopathy. It can also be caused by long-term high blood pressure or aging.

What are the risks of cardiomyopathy?

Cardiomyopathy can affect people of all ages. Major risk factors include the following: 1 a family history of cardiomyopathy, sudden cardiac arrest, or heart failure 2 coronary heart disease 3 diabetes 4 severe obesity 5 sarcoidosis 6 hemochromatosis 7 amyloidosis 8 heart attack 9 long-term high blood pressure 10 alcoholism

When does cardiomyopathy occur?

Most of the following types of cardiomyopathy belong to one of the previous four classifications, but each has unique causes or complications. Peripartum cardiomyopathy occurs during or after pregnancy. This rare type occurs when the heart weakens within five months of delivery or within the final month of pregnancy.

Why does alcohol cause cardiomyopathy?

Alcoholic cardiomyopathy is due to drinking too much alcohol over a long period of time, which can weaken your heart so it can no longer pump blood efficiently. Your heart then becomes enlarged. This is a form of dilated cardiomyopathy.

How does cardiomyopathy affect your life?

Cardiomyopathy can be life-threatening and can shorten your life expectancy if severe damage occurs early on. The disease is also progressive, which means it tends to get worse over time. Treatments can prolong your life. They can do this by slowing the decline of your heart’s condition or by providing technologies to help your heart do its job.

What is the term for a heart disease that causes a heart muscle to weaken?

Any heart disease in which the heart muscle (myocardium) weakens can be known as cardiomyopathy . This broad term covers many conditions, all of which result in injury to the heart muscle and impaired heart function. Cardiomyopathy often leads to heart failure.

How to treat hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?

Usually this requires taking a beta blocker or calcium channel blocker. A medication to prevent abnormal heart rhythms may also be needed.

What is the term for the invasion of the heart muscle by abnormal cells?

invasion of heart muscle by abnormal cells or other material (restrictive cardiomyopathy). an inherited condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy which causes a thickening of the heart muscle, especially the wall between the two ventricles.

Why is myocarditis dangerous?

Cardiomyopathy can be caused by: myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle, often due to a viral infection or a chronic inflammatory condition such as lupus.

Why is it important to avoid strenuous exercise?

It's also important to avoid strenuous exercise because it can trigger an abnormal heart rhythm that can cause sudden cardiac death. Some individuals with cardiomyopathy benefit from the placement of a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator to maintain a steady heart rhythm.

What is the term for the accumulation of cholesterol-filled plaque in the arteries that nourish the heart?

coronary artery disease, the accumulation of cholesterol-filled plaque in the arteries that nourish the heart. It can weaken the heart muscle by reducing blood flow to much of the heart.

What age does a child die from a heart attack?

In severe cases, the extra muscle obstructs the passage of blood out of the heart and may cause fainting or even sudden death. This disease usually occurs before the age of 40 and can affect children as young as age 10. It has been responsible for the deaths of several young athletes.

What causes the heart to weaken and the chambers to enlarge?

The most common ones include: Dilated cardiomyopathy: This is the most common type of heart muscle disease and causes the heart to weaken and the chambers to enlarge. It prevents the heart from being able to pump enough blood out to the body.

What type of surgery is used to treat arrhythmias?

We may recommend one or a few of the following procedures or types of heart surgery: Defibrillator: A defibrillator sends an electrical pulse to put an end to arrhythmias. Coronary artery bypass (CABG surgery): This surgery is designed to improve blood flow to the weakened heart muscle.

What is the difference between hypertrophic and restrictive cardiomyopathy?

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is often inherited and leads to the thickening of the heart muscle, making it difficult for blood to leave the heart. Restrictive cardiomyopathy: In this rare heart muscle disease, the heart muscles stiffen and the ventricles of the heart cannot relax and fill with blood between heartbeats as ...

Why do heart muscles get thicker?

Heart muscle diseases cause enlargement or thickening of the heart muscle and force it to work harder. Although they are often inherited, heart muscle diseases can also occur because of a variety of lifestyle choices and conditions including: Alcohol abuse. Congenital heart disease.

What is the Harrington Heart and Vascular Institute?

Patients living with heart muscle diseases choose the heart specialists at University Hospitals Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute to provide them with advanced heart care and treatments. At UH, we use various tools and therapies to keep your condition under control and reduce the risk of arrhythmias, heart attack or heart failure.

What is an echocardiogram?

Echocardiogram (Echo): Uses ultrasonic waves to assess your heart’s structure and function.

When is a heart transplant performed?

Heart transplant: A heart transplant is usually a last resort and only performed when other treatments have been ineffective.

How to treat heart disease?

You can lower your risk of heart disease by eating a low-fat and low-sodium diet, getting at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise on most days of the week, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol intake. Medications.

How to reduce risk of heart disease?

Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease, especially atherosclerosis. Quitting is the best way to reduce your risk of heart disease and its complications. Control your blood pressure. Ask your doctor for a blood pressure measurement at least every two years.

Why is physical activity important?

Physical activity helps you achieve and maintain a healthy weight and control diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure — all risk factors for heart disease. If you have a heart arrhythmia or heart defect, there may be some restrictions on the activities you can do, so talk to your doctor.

What tests are needed to diagnose heart disease?

The tests you'll need to diagnose your heart disease depend on what condition your doctor thinks you might have. Besides blood tests and a chest X-ray, tests to diagnose heart disease can include: Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). An ECG is a quick and painless test that records the electrical signals in your heart.

How to help a heart attack?

Here are some ways to help cope with heart disease or improve your condition: Cardiac rehabilitation. For people who have cardiovascular disease that's caused a heart attack or has required surgery to correct, cardiac rehabilitation is often recommended as a way to improve treatment and speed recovery.

How much BMI should I have to be to prevent heart disease?

Being overweight increases your risk of heart disease. A body mass index (BMI) of less than 25 and a waist circumference of 35 inches (88.9 centimeters) or less is the goal for preventing and treating heart disease.

How to control blood pressure and cholesterol?

Eat healthy foods. A heart-healthy diet based on fruits, vegetables and whole grains — and low in saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium and added sugar — can help you control your weight, blood pressure and cholesterol. Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight increases your risk of heart disease.

What are the conditions that affect the heart?

Conditions that affect the heart, including a past heart attack, coronary artery disease or an infection in the heart (ischemic cardiomyopathy) Obesity, which makes the heart work harder. Long-term alcohol misuse. Illicit drug use, such as cocaine, amphetamines and anabolic steroids.

What happens when your heart is weak?

As your heart weakens, such as in heart failure, it begins to enlarge, which forces your heart to work harder to pump blood to the rest of your body. Cardiomyopathy can lead to serious complications, including: Heart failure. Your heart can't pump enough blood to meet your body's needs.

What is the name of the heart valve that can't pump blood out of the heart?

Types of cardiomyopathy include: Dilated cardiomyopathy. In this type of cardiomyopathy, the pumping ability of your heart's main pumping chamber — the left ventricle — becomes enlarged (dilated) and can't effectively pump blood out of the heart.

What are the different types of cardiomyopathy?

The main types of cardiomyopathy include dilated, hypertrophic and restrictive cardio myopathy. Treatment — which might include medications, surgically implanted devices, heart surgery or, in severe cases, a heart transplant — depends on which type of cardiomyopathy you have and how serious it is.

Why do clots form in the heart?

Blood clots. Because your heart can't pump effectively, blood clots might form in your heart. If clots enter your bloodstream, they can block the blood flow to other organs, including your heart and brain. Heart valve problems. Because cardiomyopathy causes the heart to enlarge, the heart valves might not close properly.

Why does my heart valve not close?

Heart valve problems. Because cardiomyopathy causes the heart to enlarge, the heart valves might not close properly. This can cause blood to flow backward in the valve.

What is cardiomyopathy?

Overview. Cardiomyopathy (kahr-dee-o-my-OP-uh-thee) is a disease of the heart muscle that makes it harder for your heart to pump blood to the rest of your body. Cardiomyopathy can lead to heart failure. The main types of cardiomyopathy include dilated, hypertrophic and restrictive cardiomyopathy. Treatment — which might include medications, ...

What to do when waiting for heart transplant?

Patients who are waiting for a heart transplant use a pacemaker or undergo surgery until a heart donor is found. Lifestyle changes help to manage the symptoms of angina, heart failure and abdominal heart rhythms, says MedlinePlus.

Why do defibrillators work?

A defibrillator relays an electrical pulse to manage abnormal heart rhythms.

Is a heart transplant necessary?

A heart transplant is necessary for severe cases. People who have a greater risk of developing cardiomyopathy include those with regular heart attacks, alcoholics and patients with severe hypertension, says Heartland Cardiovascular Center, LLC. It can also run in families, so it can be inherited.

What are the goals of cardiomyopathy?

When treating cardiomyopathy, objectives include: Stopping the disease from getting worse. Managing any conditions that cause or contribute to the disease. Reducing complications and the risk of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) Controlling symptoms so that you can live as normally as possible.

What is the best medicine to slow down your heart rate?

Beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, and digoxin are examples of medicines that slow the heart rate. Beta blockers and calcium channel blockers also are used to lower blood pressure. Keep your heart beating with a normal rhythm. These medicines, called antiarrhythmics, help prevent arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats).

What are the medicines that help prevent arrhythmias?

These medicines, called antiarrhythmics, help prevent arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats). Balance electrolytes in your body. Electrolytes are minerals that help maintain fluid levels and the acid-base balance in your body. Electrolytes also help muscle and nerve tissues work properly.

What is a heart transplant?

Heart Transplant – In a heart transplant surgery, a person’s diseased heart is replaced with a healthy donor heart. A heart transplant is a last resort for people who have end-stage heart failure. (“End-stage” means that all other treatment options have been explored, without success.)

How to lower blood pressure?

Choose and prepare foods with little salt (sodium). Too much salt can raise your risk of high blood pressure. Studies show that following a Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan can lower blood pressure. Choose foods and beverages that are low in added sugar. Avoid drinking alcohol.

Can you prevent cardiomyopathy?

You cannot prevent inherited types of cardiomyopathy. But you can take steps to lower your risk for conditions that may lead to (or complicate) cardiomyopathy, such coronary heart disease, high blood pressure and heart attack . Cardiomyopathy can be precipitated by an underlying disease or condition.

Does dilated cardiomyopathy go away?

Sometimes, dilated cardiomyopathy that comes on suddenly may even go away on its own. In other instances, treatment is needed. Treatment hinges on a few factors: the type of cardiomyopathy, the severity of your symptoms and complications as well as your age and overall health.

How to prevent inflammation of the heart?

Lowering the risk of or avoiding bacterial infections completely is the best way to prevent inflammation of the heart.

How to prevent endocarditis?

Maintain dental health: This involves daily brushing and flossing the teeth, along with regular visits to the dentist. A bacterial infection in the gums and teeth can enter the bloodstream and go to the heart, where it can cause endocarditis.

What are the three types of inflamed heart?

Summary. There are three types of inflamed heart. One type affects the inner lining of the heart, another involves the heart muscle, and the third affects the outer sac that surrounds the heart. Causes vary with the type. They include infections, certain medications, and medical conditions. The three types of inflamed heart have some symptoms in ...

What is the term for inflammation of the sac that surrounds the heart?

Pericarditis occurs when there is inflammation of the sac that surrounds the heart. This sac comprises fluid encased within two thin layers of tissue.

What causes a clump in the heart valve?

These happen when blood cells and bacteria form clumps, which build up on the heart valves. Fungal infections: These can cause endocarditis, and they are also rare causes of pericarditis and myocarditis. They occur more often in people with illnesses that suppress immunity, such as HIV.

How do you know if your heart is inflamed?

The three types of inflamed heart have some symptoms in common, such as chest pain and shortness of breath. Yet each type also has symptoms not present in the other two. Doctors treat inflamed heart with drugs and medical procedures, such as surgery. If untreated, this condition can lead to serious complications.

Is myocarditis common?

Myocarditis involves inflammation and other changes in the heart muscle cells. It is not common.

Types of Heart Muscle Diseases

Advanced Imaging Techniques to Confirm Specific Conditions

Life-Saving Treatments at University Hospitals

Genetic Testing For Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Diagnosis

Treatment

Clinical Trials

• If you are diagnosed with a cardiomyopathy, we will determine the cause and provide treatments to improve your heart function. Lifestyle changes coupled with medications are usually necessary to treat cardiomyopathy. We may recommend one or a few of the following procedures or types of heart surgery: 1. Defibrillator:A defibrillator sends an electr...

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Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Coping and Support

Preparing For Your Appointment

• The type of treatment you receive depends on the type of heart disease you have. In general, treatment for heart disease usually includes: 1. Lifestyle changes.You can lower your risk of heart disease by eating a low-fat and low-sodium diet, getting at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise on most days of the week, quitting smoking, and limiting al...

See more on mayoclinic.org