Kardiomüopaatia

Kardiomüopaatia refers to a group of diseases that affect the heart muscle. This condition weakens and/or stiffens the heart muscle, making it harder for the heart to pump blood to the rest of the body. There are several types of cardiomyopathy, each with different causes and characteristics.

Dilated cardiomyopathy is the most common type, where the heart's main pumping chamber, the left ventricle, becomes enlarged and weakened. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy involves a thickening of the heart muscle, which can obstruct blood flow. Restrictive cardiomyopathy is characterized by stiffening of the heart muscle, preventing it from filling properly with blood. Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy affects the right ventricle, often leading to dangerous heart rhythms.

The causes of cardiomyopathy vary and can include genetic factors, certain infections, long-term alcohol abuse, and other medical conditions like high blood pressure or thyroid disease. In some cases, the cause may be unknown.

Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling in the legs and feet, and irregular heartbeats. Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, and sometimes cardiac MRI or biopsy.

Treatment depends on the type and severity of the cardiomyopathy and may involve medications to improve heart function and manage symptoms, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, devices like pacemakers or defibrillators, or even heart transplantation. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial for improving outcomes and preventing complications.