Kardiomyopatia

Kardiomyopatia is a term used to describe diseases of the heart muscle. It is a condition where the heart muscle becomes enlarged, thickened, or stiffened, making it harder for the heart to pump blood to the rest of the body. This can lead to various heart problems, including heart failure.

There are several types of kardiomyopatia, each with different causes and characteristics. Dilated kardiomyopatia is the most common type, where the heart's main pumping chamber, the left ventricle, becomes enlarged and weakened. Hypertrophic kardiomyopatia involves the thickening of the heart muscle, particularly the walls of the left ventricle. Restrictive kardiomyopatia is characterized by stiffness of the heart muscle, which impairs its ability to fill with blood. Arrhythmogenic right ventricular kardiomyopatia affects the right ventricle, replacing its muscle tissue with fatty and fibrous tissue.

The causes of kardiomyopatia can vary. Some forms are inherited, while others can be acquired due to factors such as high blood pressure, viral infections, alcohol abuse, certain medications, or other medical conditions like diabetes. In some cases, the cause remains unknown.

Symptoms of kardiomyopatia can include shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling in the legs and feet, irregular heartbeat, and chest pain. The severity of symptoms depends on the type and progression of the disease. Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, medical history, electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, and sometimes cardiac MRI or biopsy.

Treatment for kardiomyopatia aims to manage symptoms, slow the progression of the disease, and prevent complications. This may include medications to improve heart function, control heart rhythm, and reduce blood pressure. Lifestyle modifications such as a healthy diet and regular exercise can also be beneficial. In severe cases, surgery or a heart transplant may be necessary.