Description of Cardiomyopathy
Any disease or disorder of the heart muscle, which may arise from a number of different causes, leading to weak and ineffective pumping of the blood.
Persons most commonly affected by Cardiomyopathy - all age groups and both sexes but most common in older adults and in men.
Organ or part of body involved in Cardiomyopathy -
heart muscle.
Symptoms and indications of Cardiomyopathy
The condition may lead to congestive heart failure, the symptoms of which include breathlessness, collection of fluid (oedema) in the legs, feet and ankles, palpitations and tiredness. Also there may be chest pain and a cough. A person with these symptoms should seek medical advice.
Treatment of Cardiomyopathy
Depends upon whether the cause of the cardiomyopathy can be corrected. Symptoms can, however, be alleviated and drugs that may be prescribed include diuretics, digitalis, vitamin and mineral supplements, especially potassium. Some patients may require a heart transplant.
Causes and risk factors of Cardiomyopathy
Causes include congenital abnormalities of the heart, dietary deficiencies (especially of potassium and thiamine [vitamin B4]) viral infections and chronic alcoholism. However, the cause is not always known. Risks increase with severe obesity, smoking and alcoholism, which are reversible factors, and also with increasing age.
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