Navigation
[TITLE]

[MESSAGE]

[BUTTONS]

Popular questions...

Content

How is cardiomyopathy treated?

Treatment of cardiomyopathy aims to help you manage your condition while living a fulfilling life. A main focus of treatment is to identify and treat any underlying condition that has caused cardiomyopathy to help prevent it from worsening, such as by treating tachycardia to prevent the heart beating so fast. Some treatments can include lifestyle changes, medications, surgery or medical devices.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What is cardiomyopathy?

Cardiomyopathy is the name given to a number of conditions that affect the heart muscle. The heart muscle can be affected in different ways including enlarging, thickening or stiffening.

What are the symptoms of cardiomyopathy?

Cardiomyopathy can have no symptoms for many people, particularly in the early stages. As the condition worsens, signs and symptoms of heart failure are an indicator of the condition. These can include: difficulty breathing; shortness of breath, …

What causes cardiomyopathy?

The specific cause of cardiomyopathy is often not known. It is possible that there are a number of causes and triggers that lead to the development of cardiomyopathy - these include genetics, viral infections, immunological triggers, abnormally fast heartbeats …

Are there different types of cardiomyopathy?

Yes, there are four different forms of cardiomyopathy, depending on how the condition affects the heart. These are dilated cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, restrictive cardiomyopathy and arrhythmogenic right ventricular …

Who gets cardiomyopathy?

Various forms of cardiomyopathy can affect people of all ages; arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy can affect teenagers, dilated cardiomyopathy is more common in people aged between 20-60 years and restrictive cardiomyopathy is more common in older …

How is cardiomyopathy diagnosed?

In some cases, cardiomyopathy does not have any presenting symptoms, particularly in the early stages. This is because the heart can often overcompensate for any problems it has by working harder. To make a diagnosis, your doctor will look at presenting …

Can cardiomyopathy be cured?

No, in most cases cardiomyopathy cannot be cured, but can be treated and effectively managed.

What is the outlook for cardiomyopathy?

Cardiomyopathy is a life-threatening condition. In some cases, with correct treatment, symptoms can subside and heart function can improve. Depending on your condition, lifestyle changes, medication, or occasionally surgery can help give you a better …

What are the potential complications of cardiomyopathy?

Potential complications of cardiomyopathy include heart failure, stroke, kidney failure and heart valve problems.

Related topics

Diseases & conditions

Heart failure

Heart failure, also known as congestive heart failure, is when the heart fails to effectively pump blood around the body. It may lead to tiredness, shortness of breath and leg swelling. It can be caused by many conditions. However, medications, surgery and lifestyle changes can help manage this condition.…
Diseases & conditions

Atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is an irregularity in the heart’s rhythm. The condition causes several potential complications that can have serious consequences. The heart rate can become very fast, or a clot can form within the heart, leading to a stroke.…
Diseases & conditions

Iron deficiency anemia

Iron deficiency anaemia is the most common cause of anaemia, which is a deficiency in the quality or number of red blood cells. It may be caused by blood loss, decreased iron absorption, pregnancy or other causes. Your doctor will help work out the cause and appropriate treatment.…
Diseases & conditions

Palpitations

Heart palpitations are an unpleasant feeling of the heart beating, which can include the feeling of a rapid, fluttering or pounding heartbeat. Palpitations can be triggered by exercise, medication, stress or, rarely, an underlying heart condition.…
Diseases & conditions

Hypertension

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can have no symptoms but may lead to life threatening conditions. It’s important to have your blood pressure checked periodically. If you have hypertension, lifestyle changes and medications can help control your blood pressure.…
Diseases & conditions

Heart attack

A heart attack is a medical emergency caused by a sudden stoppage of blood flow to your heart muscle, usually due to coronary artery disease. Symptoms vary and may include mild to severe chest pain. If you think you are experiencing a heart attack, it is important to seek prompt medical treatment.…

About this article

Author: Dr Bow Tauro PhD, BSc (Hons)
First answered: 06 Nov 2014
Last reviewed: 14 May 2019
Rating: 4.4 out of 5
Votes: 568 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Heart failure

×

Content goes in here.