Cardiomyopathy is a non-specific term used to describe conditions that result in weakening of the heart muscle. There are a number of forms of this disorder. They include Dilated cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, Alcoholic cardiomyopathy and Restrictive cardiomyopathy. All of these disorders produce impairment of heart function, which eventually affects the lungs, liver and circulatory system.
Causes of Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy may occur from numerous disorders. They include virus infections of the heart muscle and late stage of coronary artery disease. Some nutritional deficiencies, such as vitamin B-1can lead to cardiomyopathy. Chronic hyopkalemia, or low levels of potassium, can produce cardiomyopathy. Fat tissue in the heart that replaces muscle fibers and amyloid deposits, where abnormal proteins are deposited in the heart tissues, both can lead to cardiomyopathy. Hemachomatosis, where there is excessive iron stored in the body can lead to heart muscle damage. In addition, severe anemia, Friedreich's ataxia, stress and idiopathic forms of cardiomyopathy may occur. Dilated cardiomyopathy frequently produces symptoms of congestive heart failure, including shortness of breath and swelling of the legs and abdomen. Clots may form in the enlarged heart leading to emboli and strokes. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy develops because the walls of the heart become thickened and stiff. This disorder tends to run in families. Restrictive cardiomyopathy produces stiffening of the heart muscle. Signs of congestive heart failure and blood clots embolizing from the heart occur in this form as well. Alcohol cardiomyopathy develops from years of excessive alcohol intake. It the disease hasn't led to irreversible changes, cessation of alcohol consumption can lead to improvement in cardiac function.
Signs and Symptoms of Cardiomyopathy
The symptoms of cardiomyopathy are similar irrespective of their cause. There are brief episodes of rapid heart beat. Shortness of breath may occur. Chest pain may develop. Episodes of fainting occur in some. Generalized weakness tends to occur. Fluid retention usually signifies the development of congestive heart failure. It produces swelling of the feet and ankles. Non-specific symptoms include loss of appetite and loss of sex drive.
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Medical Content Last Updated on 07/12/2008
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