Szívizomgyengeség

Szívizomgyengeség, or cardiomyopathy in English, refers to a group of diseases that affect the heart muscle, making it harder for the heart to pump blood to the rest of the body. This condition can manifest in several ways, including thickening of the heart muscle, enlargement of the heart chambers, or stiffening of the heart muscle. These changes impair the heart's ability to fill with blood or to contract effectively.

The causes of szívizomgyengeség are varied. Some forms are inherited, meaning they are passed down through families. Others can be acquired due to factors such as long-standing high blood pressure, heart valve disease, viral infections, alcohol abuse, certain chemotherapy drugs, or other medical conditions like diabetes. In some cases, the exact cause may remain unknown, a condition termed idiopathic cardiomyopathy.

Symptoms can range from mild to severe and often depend on the type and extent of heart muscle damage. Common signs include shortness of breath, particularly during exertion or when lying down, fatigue, swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet (edema), irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias), and chest pain. In advanced stages, szívizomgyengeség can lead to heart failure.

Diagnosis typically involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and various tests. These may include electrocardiograms (ECG), echocardiograms (ultrasound of the heart), chest X-rays, blood tests, and sometimes more advanced imaging like cardiac MRI or cardiac catheterization. Treatment strategies aim to manage symptoms, slow disease progression, and prevent complications. This can involve medications to improve heart function, control blood pressure, and reduce fluid retention, as well as lifestyle changes. In severe cases, devices like pacemakers or defibrillators, or even heart transplantation, might be considered.