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Cardiomyopathy

A group of diseases of the heart muscle that impair structure and function and predispose to heart failure.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Kardiyoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Cardiomyopathy?

Cardiomyopathy refers to a group of diseases in which the structure and function of the heart muscle (myocardium) are abnormal. The three main types are dilated cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and restrictive cardiomyopathy.

Dilated cardiomyopathy is the most common form and can be triggered by genetic causes, viral myocarditis, alcohol, pregnancy, or certain medications. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is usually genetic and is a well-known cause of sudden cardiac death in young athletes. Restrictive cardiomyopathy is rarer and is often associated with amyloidosis or sarcoidosis.

The aim of treatment is to control symptoms, slow disease progression, and reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death.

Symptoms

Shortness of breath (with exertion or when lying down)
Leg swelling
Fatigue and reduced exercise tolerance
Palpitations and arrhythmias
Dizziness or fainting (particularly in the hypertrophic form)
Chest pain (in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy)
Sudden cardiac death (especially in young people with the hypertrophic form)

Risk Factors

Family history and genetic predisposition
Long-term heavy alcohol use
Chemotherapy drugs (anthracyclines)
Pregnancy (peripartum cardiomyopathy)
Prior viral myocarditis
Hypertension (in hypertrophic-pattern disease)
Systemic diseases (amyloidosis, sarcoidosis)

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • For genetic evaluation when there is a family history of sudden cardiac death
  • Fainting or near-fainting with exertion (an urgent sign in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy)
  • Progressive shortness of breath and leg swelling
  • Palpitations together with syncope
  • For cardiology follow-up in patients receiving high-dose chemotherapy

Treatment Methods

01
ACE inhibitors/ARBs and beta-blockers (cornerstone therapy in dilated cardiomyopathy)
02
Diuretics and aldosterone antagonists
03
Beta-blockers and calcium-channel blockers (in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy)
04
ICD implantation (in patients at high risk of sudden cardiac death)
05
Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in selected patients
06
Alcohol cessation, withdrawal of offending drugs, and, in advanced stages, heart transplantation

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Kardiyoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

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Hypertension is a condition in which blood pressure readings remain above 140/90 mmHg; early treatment helps prevent serious complications.

Coronary Artery Disease

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Narrowing of the coronary arteries due to atherosclerosis can cause chest pain (angina) and heart attack.

Heart Failure

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Heart failure is a chronic cardiac condition characterized by shortness of breath, leg swelling, and fatigue.

Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)

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A heart attack is a medical emergency; because heart muscle is lost by the minute, immediate intervention saves lives.

Atrial Fibrillation

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Atrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia characterized by an irregular heartbeat and increased risk of stroke.

Heart Palpitations

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Palpitations are usually due to benign causes, but underlying cardiac rhythm disorders must be ruled out.

Heart Valve Diseases

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Valve stenosis or regurgitation increases the workload of the heart and, over time, can lead to heart failure.

Aortic Aneurysm

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Aortic aneurysms are often silent; early diagnosis allows treatment before rupture (a life-threatening tear).

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.