cardiomyopathies Flashcards
what is the myocardium?
thickest layer of the heart. Composed of cardiac muscle§
what is the functional unit of the myocardium?
sarcomere
what is a cardiomyopathy?
any disease of the myocardium that can’t be explained by coronary artery narrowing or abnormal loading of ventricles
what are primary cardiomyopathies?
genetic, mixed (genetic and nonmixed) or non-genetic (acquired) causes and are confined solely to the heart
what are secondary cardiomyopathies?
affect the heart as part of a systemic disease
what are the main categories of cardiomyopathies?
o Hypertrophic (HCM) o Dilated (DCM) o Restricted (RCM) o (Also: Arrhythmogenic right ventricular (ARVC) and unclassified CM)
what is DCM characterised by?
Characterised by dilation of chambers and decreased systolic function (usually L side)
Right ventricular dilation and dysfunction might be present – not necessary for diagnosis
when does DCM occur?
Occurs in the absence of abnormal loading conditions (hypertension, valve disease) or coronary artery disease)
what are the causes of DCM?
genetic mutations, infections, inflammation, autoimmune diseases, exposure to toxins and endocrine or neuromuscular causes
what are the most common causes of DCM?
Idiopathic and familial disease
describe the histopathology in DCM
remodelling of myocardium occurs. Cardiomyocytes are interspersed with necrotic and fibrotic patches and intermittent calcifications
what is the pathophysiology of DCM in the early stages?
Myocyte injury –> decreased contractility –> decreased stroke volume –> decreased cardiac output
how does the CVS compensate for a reduction in CO in DCM?
o Frank Starling mechanism
o Neurohormonal mechanism; SNS activates increased HR and contractility
o Activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system
what are the detrimental effects of the compensation mechanisms for DCM?
- Increased preload and afterload –> more difficult for the LV to eject blood
- Angiotensin II and aldosterone contribute to pathogenic cardiac remodelling
what are the signs and symptoms of DCM and why do they occur?
- Decreased CO – tiredness/fatigue
- Pulmonary oedema – dyspnoea/crackles
- Ascites and peripheral oedema in legs and ankle
- Enlarged heart – leftward displacement of apical beat and possibly 3rd heart sound
- Mitral regurgitation – blood goes back into LA
- Palpitations – caused by arrhythmias