26 February 2021 Author : Ana Rita Rodrigues Cardiomyopathies are a heterogeneous group of diseases that affect the heart muscle (myocardium) . They prevent the heart from functioning properly due to the loss of strength needed to pump blood and thus supply the body needs. Are there different types of cardiomyopathies? According to the type of changes caused in the heart muscle, three main types of cardiomyopathies are considered: Dilated cardiomyopathy : the most frequent, consists of an increase in size / dilation of the left ventricle, which usually loses its contraction force to pump blood; Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy : it has a genetic cause, the heart muscle increases its thickness, which hinders the correct functioning of the organ; Restrictive cardiomyopathy : the cardiac muscle becomes more rigid and less elastic, losing the ability to expand and to receive blood to pump, this one is the least common of the 3 type. Other types of cardiomyopathies, less frequent, are for example: Right ventricle arrhythmogenic dysplasia; Stress-induced cardiomyopathy or Takotsubo syndrome or broken heart syndrome; Noncompaction cardiomyopathy. What are the causes of cardiomyopathies? The cause of a cardiomyopathy is often unknown ( idiopathic ). When causes are identified, they are genetic factors , which may or may not be hereditary, or myocardiopathy is secondary to another disease that causes changes in the myocardium, for example: Coronary artery disease (arteries that supply the heart), for example myocardial infarction or heart attack; Long-term uncontrolled arterial hypertension; Diseases of the heart valves; Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages; Consumption of some drugs and anabolic steroids; Infection or inflammation attaining the heart muscle; Chemotherapy and / or radiotherapy used in some cancers; Arrhythmias with a fast and long-lasting heart rate; Accumulation of certain abnormal proteins in the heart muscle; Some diseases of metabolism, neurological or endocrine glands; Pregnancy complication; Some nutritional deficiencies. Symptoms and diagnosis The presentation of a cardiomyopathy can be very heterogeneous. Many cases of cardiomyopathy may temporarily be silent. Among the several possible symptoms of cardiomyopathy , the following stand out: Heart failure, which combines symptoms such as tiredness, shortness of breath, swollen legs, nausea, loss of appetite, among others; Chest pain; Dizziness; Fainting; Palpitations; Sudden death. When cardiomyopathy is suspected, the following are very important for the diagnosis : To know in detail the clinical history of the patient and his family; The data obtained during the medical examination in consultation. Other medical tests are also usually performed, which may include: Electrocardiogram; Laboratory tests; Chest x-ray; Echocardiogram; Cardiac magnetic resonance; Genetic tests. Treatment of cardiomyopathy The treatment of a cardiomyopathy depends on the specific type of cardiomyopathy , its cause, and the symptoms severity. Treatment can vary from l ifestyle changes, to medication, implantation of electronic devices (such as pacemakers, resynchronizers or defibrillators) or even surgery . Among the most widely used drugs are, for example, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor antagonists, angiotensin and neprilisin receptor inhibitor, beta-blockers, diuretics, mineralocorticoid antagonists, SGLT2 inhibitors, ivabradine, among many others that can be used to treat the cause of the disease. Meet the cardiology team from Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
