Medication
· Prevention and Treatment of Cardiomyopathy. People who have cardiomyopathy, but no signs or symptoms, may not need treatment. Sometimes, dilated cardiomyopathy that comes on suddenly may 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 …
Procedures
· Treating cardiomyopathy. There are treatments for all forms of cardiomyopathy, including the two most common causes of symptoms: heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms. People who have alcoholic cardiomyopathy seem to be particularly sensitive to the effects of alcohol; giving up drinking alcohol is the most important step in treating the condition.
Nutrition
· , HIV and HIV treatments can also increase your risk of cardiomyopathy. HIV can increase your risk of heart failure and dilated cardiomyopathy, in particular. If you have HIV, talk …
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· Depending on the type of cardiomyopathy that you have, your heart muscle may become thicker, stiffer, or larger than normal. This can weaken your heart and cause an …
What is the normal life expectancy with mild cardiomyopathy?
There are many types of treatment options available to help you manage your condition. These include medication, surgery and implanted devices. ... Cardiomyopathy UK, 75a Woodside …
Can you be cured of cardiomyopathy?
· A. A. A. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is an inherited disease of the cardiac sarcomere that results in left ventricular hypertrophy, hyperdynamic function, microvascular …
Is there a cure for cardiomyopathy?
There is no specific treatment for chemotherapy‐induced cardiomyopathy, but cessation of the offending agent in other types of drug‐induced NICM is vital to potential myocardial recovery. …
How do I know if I have cardiomyopathy?
· With a holistic approach to treat cardiomyopathy it is possible to reverse the disease. With the help of many medical studies, it is proved that by keeping all the concerns for your own health away and always being on a protective for your heart, will help in …

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.)
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 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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
Can you get alcoholic cardiomyopathy from drinking?
There are treatments for all forms of cardiomyopathy, including the two most common causes of symptoms: heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms. People who have alcoholic cardiomyopathy seem to be particularly sensitive to the effects of alcohol; giving up drinking alcohol is the most important step in treating the condition.
What is the test called for a heart biopsy?
Occasionally, a test called an endomyocardial biopsy is necessary. In this test, a catheter is inserted into a vein in the neck and passed down into the heart. A small piece of the inner heart wall is removed using a tiny metal device at the tip of the catheter.
What test is used to diagnose cardiomyopathy?
Occasionally, a test called an endomyocardial biopsy is necessary.
Can cardiomyopathy cause symptoms?
Symptoms of cardiomyopathy. In its earlier stages, cardiomyopathy may cause no symptoms. It may be discovered by accident, for example when a chest x-ray performed to diagnose another condition shows an enlarged heart. Common cardiomyopathy symptoms include: unexplained fatigue. weakness.
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.
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.
Can cardiomyopathy be reversed?
You can’t reverse or cure cardiomyopathy, but you can control it with some of the following options: medications, including those used to treat high blood pressure, prevent water retention, keep the heart beating with a normal rhythm, prevent blood clots, and reduce inflammation.
Does HIV cause cardiomyopathy?
According to research, HIV, HIV treatment s, and dietary and lifestyle factors can also increase your risk of cardiomyopathy. HIV can increase your risk of heart failure and dilated cardiomyopathy , in particular. If you have HIV, talk to your doctor about regular tests to check the health of your heart.
What is it called when a child has cardiomyopathy?
When cardiomyopathy affects a child, it’s called pediatric cardiomyopathy.
What is noncompaction cardiomyopathy?
Noncompaction cardiomyopathy, also called spongiform cardiomyopathy, is a rare disease present at birth. It results from abnormal development of the heart muscle in the womb. Diagnosis may occur at any stage of life. When cardiomyopathy affects a child, it’s called pediatric cardiomyopathy.
What causes heart failure?
Blood vessels to the heart muscle narrow and become blocked. This deprives the heart muscle of oxygen. Ischemic cardiomyopathy is a common cause of heart failure. Alternatively, nonischemic cardiomyopathy is any form that isn’t related to coronary artery disease.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 is the name of the condition where the muscle in the right ventricle is replaced by scar tissue?
Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia. In this rare type of cardiomyopathy, the muscle in the lower right heart chamber (right ventricle) is replaced by scar tissue, which can lead to heart rhythm problems. It's often caused by genetic mutations. Unclassified cardiomyopathy.
Can cardiomyopathy be caused by amyloidosis?
This least common type of cardiomyopathy can occur at any age, but it most often affects older people. Restrictive cardiomyopathy can occur for no known reason (idiopathic), or it can by caused by a disease elsewhere in the body that affects the heart, such as amyloidosis. Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia.
What is the condition that makes it harder for the heart to work?
This type involves abnormal thickening of your heart muscle, which makes it harder for the heart to work. It mostly affects the muscle of your heart's main pumping chamber (left ventricle). Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can develop at any age, but the condition tends to be more severe if it occurs during childhood.
Can cardiomyopathy be a serious disease?
Some people who have cardiomyopathy—especially those who have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)—may live a healthy life with few problems or symptoms. Others may have serious symptoms and complications.
What does a stethoscope do?
Your doctor will use a stethoscope to listen to your heart and lungs for sounds that may suggest cardiomyopathy. These sounds may even suggest a certain type of the disease.
What is a pediatric cardiologist?
Often, a cardiologist or pediatric cardiologist diagnoses and treats cardiomyopathy. A cardiologist specializes in diagnosing and treating heart diseases. A pediatric cardiologist is a cardiologist who treats children.
Do cardiomyopathy patients have symptoms?
Some people who have cardiomyopathy never have signs or symptoms. Others don't have signs or symptoms in the early stages of the disease.
Can all races have cardiomyopathy?
People of all ages and races can have cardiomyopathy. However, certain types of the disease are more common in certain groups.
Can cardiomyopathy be caused by a child?
Many times, the cause of cardiomyopathy isn’t known. This often is the case when the disease occurs in children.
What is the term for overuse of alcohol?
Alcoholic cardiomyopathy. This term is used when overuse of alcohol causes the disease.
Can HCM cause LVOTO obstruction?
In summary, patients with HCM may suffer from LVOTO obstruction, atrial arrhythmias, SCD, and advanced heart failure. Current therapies focus on the disease manifestations, but future therapies may offer hope to effectively address the pathophysiology of HCM. Until then, recognition of the role of medical, interventional, device, and surgical therapies, and the use of shared decision making in areas of exercise prescription, are essential to improve the quality of life and survival of patients with HCM.
Can HCM be altered?
There are currently no medical interventions that alter the natural course of HCM, but cardiac myosin inhibitors have shown potential promise. 4,5 Trials investigating the effect of cardiac myosin inhibitors such as mavacamten ( EXPLORER-HCM and MAVERICK-HCM) and CK-274 ( REDWOOD-HCM) on LVOTO and HCM associated diastolic heart failure are underway. Finally, gene-silencing with CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing technology may someday play a role in the prevention of disease development before the appearance of clinical manifestations. 23
Can atrial fibrillation cause stroke?
Atrial fibrillation can worsen exertional symptoms and increase stroke risk in patients with HCM. 2 The role for catheter ablation has not been specifically studied in HCM cohorts but remains an option for patients with symptoms refractory to medical therapy. 18 As refractory symptomatic atrial fibrillation often marks progressive disease with restrictive physiology, these patients also warrant evaluation for advanced heart failure therapies such as heart transplantation. 19 Due to the increased risk for thromboembolism in HCM patients who develop atrial fibrillation or flutter, oral anticoagulation is recommended as primary stroke prophylaxis regardless of CHA2DS2-VASc score. 6
What is the risk of a HCM?
Patients with HCM are at increased risk for SCD, and risk stratification for implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation is critical in this population. Primary prevention with an ICD is reasonable for patients with severe hypertrophy (>30mm), family history of sudden death in a first degree relative, recent unexplained syncope, or "burnt-out" HCM (LVEF < 50%). 2,6,7 The presence of non-sustained ventricular tachycardia on 24-hour Holter or abnormal blood pressure response to exercise, when added to other risk factors, also supports primary prevention ICD. 14 Other risk factors that may influence the decision to place an ICD for primary prevention include marked late-gadolinium enhancement on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (>15%), the presence of an apical aneurysm, and some genetic mutations present in families with high prevalence of sudden cardiac death. 3,6,7,15-17 Secondary prevention with ICD placement in those surviving SCD or with sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) is universally recommended. 6 In the case of syncope, a thorough evaluation for provoked obstruction is first required to avoid ICD implantation for syncope related to LVOTO rather than ventricular arrhythmias. 7 Periodic reassessment of risk factors is recommended as part of ongoing follow up, with more frequent testing reserved for younger patients and those with borderline risk factors.
Is alcohol septal ablation a surgical myectomy?
With refinement of the techniques and greater experience, post-procedural outcomes following alcohol septal ablation are comparable to surgical myectomy in appropriately selected patients at expert centers. 7 Selecting the right approach to SRT is challenging and should include not only the assessment of provider and center expertise, but also factors such as patient age, comorbid disease, and patient preference. 2 Despite excellent intermediate and long-term results, some patients remain symptomatic or develop heart failure after SRT. 13
What is SRT in LVOTO?
Septal reduction therapy (SRT) is indicated when medical therapy fails to control NYHA Class III symptoms or following LVOTO-associated syncope or near syncope refractory to medical therapy. There are two forms of SRT: surgical myomectomy 11,12 and alcohol septal ablation. Surgical myectomy provides definitive therapy for symptomatic LVOTO and is associated with low post-operative mortality and morbidity when carried out by experienced operators in expert centers, although no significant long-term mortality benefit has been demonstrated. 2 Given this, pre-operative counseling should emphasize that the benefit is currently limited to symptom improvement.
What age do you have to be to have heart failure?
Some patients with HCM develop clinical heart failure, ranging from heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, to severe restrictive cardiomyopathy, to 'burnt-out' dilated hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. 2 Patients diagnosed with HCM prior to age 40 have more than a 60% chance of experiencing clinical heart failure by age 70, and those diagnosed between ages 40 and 60 have greater than a 40% chance to experience heart failure by that age. However, only 5% of HCM patients will progress to require advanced heart failure therapies during their lifetime. 21

Overview
Symptoms
Causes
Risk Factors
Complications
Prevention
- There might be no signs or symptoms in the early stages of cardiomyopathy. But as the condition advances, signs and symptoms usually appear, including: 1. Breathlessness with activity or even at rest 2. Swelling of the legs, ankles and feet 3. Bloating of the abdomen due to fluid buildup 4. Cough while lying down 5. Difficulty lying flat to sleep 6. Fatigue 7. Heartbeats that feel rapid, po…
The Mayo Clinic Experience and Patient Stories
- Often the cause of the cardiomyopathy is unknown. In some people, however, it's the result of another condition (acquired) or passed on from a parent (inherited). Certain health conditions or behaviors that can lead to acquired cardiomyopathy include: 1. Long-term high blood pressure 2. Heart tissue damage from a heart attack 3. Long-term rapid heart rate 4. Heart valve problems 5…