Cardiomyopathy

Question 1

Definition

Answer 1

Cardiomyopathy refers to a group of diseases that affect the heart muscle, impairing its ability to pump blood effectively. It can lead to heart failure, arrhythmias, and other complications

Question 2

Dialated cardiomyopathy

Answer 2

1. Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM):

Features: The heart chambers enlarge (dilate), and the heart muscle becomes weak, reducing its ability to pump blood.

Causes
Genetic mutations
Alcohol or drug toxicity
Viral infections
Autoimmune diseases

Symptoms:
Fatigue
Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
Swelling in the legs or abdomen
Irregular heartbeats

Treatment:

Medications: ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, diuretics
Lifestyle changes: Low-sodium diet, regular exercise
Devices: Pacemakers, defibrillators
Advanced: Heart transplant

Question 3

Hypertrophic

Answer 3

2. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM):

Features: Thickening of the heart muscle (usually the left ventricle), which can obstruct blood flow.

Causes: Most cases are genetic.

Symptoms:
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Dizziness or fainting
Risk of sudden cardiac death in severe cases

Treatment:
Medications: Beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers
Procedures: Septal myectomy, alcohol septal ablation
ICD for arrhythmia prevention

Question 4

Restrictive cardiomyopathy

Answer 4

3. Restrictive Cardiomyopathy (RCM):

Features: The heart muscle becomes rigid and less elastic, preventing normal filling of blood during diastole.

Causes
Amyloidosis
Sarcoidosis
Hemochromatosis
Idiopathic

Symptoms:
Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Swelling in extremities

Treatment:
Treat underlying cause
Medications: Diuretics, anticoagulants
Advanced: Heart transplant