A disease that weakens the heart: Let's learn about Cardiomyopathy in simple terms

The engine in your body is your heart. It keeps us alive because it works non-stop. But think about it, what happens if this engine, the heart muscle, starts to weaken, grow, or thicken? That's what we simply call cardiomyopathy. It's very important to be aware of this.

What exactly is cardiomyopathy?

Simply put, cardiomyopathy is a disease that affects your heart muscle (myocardium). This is when the muscle in your heart becomes weak. Just like a rubber band that has become too elastic and stops stretching, the muscle in your heart can no longer contract properly and pump blood.

This can cause the heart muscle to thicken , enlarge , or stiffen . Sometimes, scar tissue can also form in the heart. Whatever the cause, the end result is that the heart is no longer able to pump enough blood to the rest of the body. Over time, this condition can become severe, even leading to heart failure . But don't worry, there are good treatments for this.

What are the main types of cardiomyopathy?

There are several main types of this disease. Each one affects the heart in a slightly different way. Let's take a look at the main types.

What are the symptoms of this disease?

Some people don't show any symptoms at first, but as the disease progresses, symptoms start to appear. See if you're experiencing any of these symptoms.

• Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing, especially when doing light work, walking, or climbing stairs.
• Swelling of the legs, ankles, and feet (Edema): Swelling of the legs due to fluid accumulation in the body.
• Fatigue: Feeling tired and sleepy all the time, even without doing anything.
• Arrhythmia: A feeling that the heart is beating suddenly faster, like it's pounding, or like it's skipping a beat.
• Dizziness or Fainting: Feeling faint or losing consciousness, as if you were standing up suddenly.
• Chest pain: A feeling of pressure in the chest, especially when you are exercising.

What causes this and what are the risk factors?

It is difficult to pinpoint a single cause for this disease. Sometimes, the cause may not be found at all. However, there are several main contributing causes and risk factors.

Main reasons

• Genetic factors: If your mother, father, or a close relative has had the disease, you are at some risk of developing it too.
• Coronary artery disease: Blockage of the arteries that supply blood to the heart can damage the heart muscle.
• High blood pressure: High blood pressure that is uncontrolled for a long time can put extra strain on the heart and cause the heart muscle to thicken.
• Infections affecting the heart: Some viral or bacterial infections can cause inflammation of the heart muscle.
• Other medical conditions: This can also be caused by medical conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disease, amyloidosis, and sarcoidosis.

Factors that increase risk

• Excessive alcohol use: Excessive alcohol consumption over a long period of time directly damages the heart muscle.
• Drug use: Use of drugs such as cocaine.
• Cancer treatment: Some anti-cancer drugs (Chemotherapy) and radiation therapy can affect the heart.
• Obesity: It is very important to control body weight.
• Pregnancy: Very rarely, this condition can occur during the last half of pregnancy or after childbirth.

How does the doctor diagnose this disease exactly?

When you go to the doctor, he will first ask you about your medical history and that of your family. Then he will examine you. If he suspects this disease, he will refer you to a cardiologist and ask you to do some more tests.

What are the treatments for this?

Cardiomyopathy cannot be cured completely. However, treatment can help control symptoms , stop or delay the progression of the disease , and help you live a better life . Your doctor will decide on your treatment based on your condition.

1. Lifestyle changes

This is the most important and first thing to do.

• A diet low in salt and fat: Reducing salt can help control fluid retention and blood pressure.
• Avoiding alcohol and smoking: Both of these are very bad for the heart.
• Appropriate exercise: Ask your doctor what exercises are right for you.
• Reducing stress: Things like yoga and meditation can help.
• Maintaining a healthy weight.

2. Medications

Depending on your symptoms and heart function, different medications may be prescribed.

• Blood pressure lowering medications.
• Medications that control heart rate.
• Diuretics are drugs that remove excess fluid from the body.
• Anticoagulants.
• Cholesterol-lowering drugs.

3. Surgery and devices

If the disease is in a severe stage and difficult to control with medication alone, you may resort to these types of treatments.

• Pacemaker: A small device placed under the skin of the chest to regulate the heart's rhythm if it is beating too fast.
• ICD (Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator): A device that detects life-threatening irregular heartbeats and delivers an electrical shock to the heart to correct them.
• Septal myectomy: Surgical removal of a portion of thickened heart muscle.
• Heart transplant: Considered as a last resort if all other treatments fail.

When should you seek emergency medical advice?

If you have cardiomyopathy, it is important to see your doctor regularly and follow his/her instructions. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms suddenly, go to the hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.

• If you experience severe chest pain.
• If you suddenly have difficulty breathing.
• If you suddenly lose consciousness (fainting).
• If the heart starts beating very fast or irregularly.

Cardiomyopathy, heart disease, heart weakness, heart muscle disease, shortness of breath, chest pain, heart failure