9. Cardiomyopathy

Question 1

If the exam includes a question on cardiomyopathy, it will most likely be on either ___ or ___ cardiomyopathy

Answer 1

dilated or hypertrophic

Question 2

Dilated cardiomyopathy - signs

Answer 2

Systolic dysfunction, problem ejecting

Classical signs:
-Thinning, dilation, enlargement of LV chamber
-Mitral valve regurgitation (MVR) common due to ventricular dilation

Symptoms are similar to that of SYSTOLIC HF

Question 3

Dilated cardiomyopathy - treatment

Answer 3

-similar to that for systolic HF
-HF may progress through stages, classes
-May need a ventricular assist device (VAD), heart transplant.

Question 4

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy - signs

Answer 4

It is a Diastolic dysfunction, problem filling

Classical sign:
-Increased thickening of the heart muscle and septum inwardly at the expense of the LV chamber

Symptoms are similar to that of DIASTOLIC HF
-Fatigue
-Dyspnea
-Chest Pain
-Palpitations
-S3, S4 heart sounds
-Presyncope or syncope

Question 5

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy - treatment

Answer 5

Similar to that for Diastolic HF

Note Increased risk of sudden cardiac death