Kardiomüopaatiate

Kardiomüopaatiate is the Estonian term for cardiomyopathies, which are diseases of the heart muscle. These conditions make it harder for the heart to pump blood to the rest of the body. Cardiomyopathies can be inherited or acquired and can affect people of all ages.

There are several types of cardiomyopathy. Dilated cardiomyopathy is the most common, where the heart's main pumping chamber, the left ventricle, becomes enlarged and weakened. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy involves the thickening of the heart muscle, particularly the left ventricle, which can obstruct blood flow. Restrictive cardiomyopathy is characterized by stiffness of the heart muscle, preventing it from filling properly between beats. Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia is another type where the muscle tissue in the right ventricle is replaced by scar and fatty tissue, leading to arrhythmias.

The causes of cardiomyopathy are varied. Genetic factors play a significant role in some inherited forms. Other causes can include long-term high blood pressure, viral infections, alcohol abuse, certain chemotherapy drugs, and pregnancy-related complications. In many cases, the exact cause remains unknown.

Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet, irregular heartbeats, and chest pain. Some individuals may experience no symptoms at all. Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, and sometimes cardiac MRI or biopsy.

Treatment aims to manage symptoms, prevent complications, and improve heart function. This can involve lifestyle changes, medications to control blood pressure and heart rate, devices like pacemakers or defibrillators, and in severe cases, heart transplantation. Early diagnosis and management are crucial for a better prognosis.