cardiomyopathy symptoms

[ramakentesh]

My dad recently passed away from eventual complications of cardiomyopathy - and the doctor was going on about that fact that this condition can be hereditiary. I didnt want to mention my POTS because this would just raise his eyebrows, but when my dad was sick we often talked about our symptoms and the dizziness was very similar.

Are there tests that i should get done in the future to look out for this problem?

[briarrose]

Here is what I found

Cardiomyopathy

Provided by A.D.A.M., Inc.

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Overview | Treatment | Images

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Definition

Cardiomyopathy is a weakening of the heart muscle (myocardium), which usually causes inadequate heart pumping.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Cardiomyopathy can be caused by viral infections; heart attacks; alcoholism; long-term, severe hypertension (high blood pressure); or for other reasons not yet known.

Specific types of cardiomyopathy include:

Ischemic Cardiomyopathy: This is caused by heart attacks, which leave scars in the heart muscle (myocardium). The affected myocardium is then unable to contribute to the heart pumping function. The larger the scars (or the more numerous the heart attacks), the higher the chance there is of developing ischemic cardiomyopathy.

Idiopathic Cardiomyopathy: The term "idiopathic" means that the cause is unknown. Usually, this term refers to dilated cardiomyopathy.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy: This is a global, usually idiopathic myocardial disorder characterized by a marked enlargement and inadequate function of the left ventricle. It may affect young people.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: This is a disproportionate growth of the left ventricle muscle. Sometimes, the right ventricle is also affected. In up to 70% of cases, there is a family history of this condition.

Alcoholic Cardiomyopathy: This is a type of dilated cardiomyopathy that usually begins about 10 years after sustained, heavy alcohol consumption. It can occur with both typical signs of heart failure, as well as with atrial fibrillation or other heart rhythm problems.

Peripartum Cardiomyopathy: This is a dilated cardiomyopathy appearing in women during the last trimester of pregnancy, or after childbirth.

Restrictive Cardiomyopathy: This is a disorder affecting the diastolic (when the heart muscle is relaxing between contractions) function of the heart. The heart cannot relax adequately after each contraction (systole), and thus it cannot be adequately filled with blood. Examples of restrictive cardiomyopathy are amyloidosis and sarcoidosis.

Cardiomyopathy is not common, but can be severely disabling or fatal. Extreme cardiomyopathy with heart failure may require a heart transplant.

Symptoms

shortness of breath (dyspnea).

decreasing ability to tolerate physical exertion.

chest pain: This symptom, also known as "angina," consists of a feeling of sharp, unrelenting pressure the middle of the chest. It is more common in ischemic cardiomyopathy.

fainting (syncope), especially after activity; temporary and brief loss of consciousness.

light-headedness, especially after activity.

dizziness.

palpitations: Sensation of feeling the heart beat.

high blood pressure.

Additional symptoms that may occur:

swelling of legs, ankles, or other portion of the body.

abdominal swelling or enlargement. Liquid in the abdomen is called "ascites."

decreased amount of urine during daytime.

need to urinate at night.

fatigue, or reduced activity tolerance.

change in mental status.

decreased alertness.

difficulty concentrating.

cough: This may be caused by extra liquid accumulating in the lungs, secondary to heart failure.

loss of appetite.

deconditioning may occur as a consequence of the other symptoms, leading to a reduction in the heart's muscle mass.

Signs and tests

Examination may reveal an irregular heartbeat. Heart sounds and breath sounds may be abnormal. Additionally, there may be other signs of heart failure.

Decreased heart function and heart enlargement may appear in these tests:

Coronary Angiography: This is the study of the coronary arteries (the vessels providing blood to the heart muscle). The angiography is done by introducing a small tube through the artery in the groin area and advancing it to the heart, then injecting an X-ray dye to visualize the coronary arteries.

Echocardiogram and ultrasound examination of the heart.

Chest X-ray.

Chest CT scan.

MRI of chest.

ECG: May show enlargement, evidence of a previous heart attack, ischemic changes (abnormalities seen with a lack of blood flow to the heart), arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms) or other abnormalities.

Rarely, a heart biopsy may be needed to rule out other disorders.

Certain lab tests may be used to rule out other disorders and to assess the condition of the heart:

CBC (Complete Blood Count). Red and white blood cells are counted, as well as platelets.

Coronary Risk Profile: The patient's risk factors for coronary disease are evaluated. Risk factors include, but are not limited to, cigarette smoking, lipid profile (particularly cholesterol level), high blood pressure, diabetes, alcoholism, and physical inactivity.

Blood Chemistries: CBC, lipid profile (cholesterol test), and cardiac enzymes.

Cardiac Enzymes: (CPK isoenzymes, CK-MB, LDH isoenzymes).

Last Reviewed: 5/25/2002 by Seth Keller, M.D., Division of Cardiology, Yale New Haven Medical Center, New Haven, CT. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

[ramakentesh]

thanks for that - at least i know what to look at now.