cardiomiopátiák

Cardiomiopatias refer 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. These conditions can lead to heart failure, arrhythmias, and other serious complications. There are several types of cardiomyopathies, each with distinct characteristics and causes.

Dilated cardiomyopathy is the most common type, characterized by an enlarged and weakened left ventricle, which impairs the heart's ability to pump blood effectively. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy involves a thickening of the heart muscle, particularly the walls of the left ventricle. This thickening can obstruct blood flow out of the heart and may also affect the heart's ability to relax and fill properly. Restrictive cardiomyopathy is the least common form, where the heart muscle becomes stiff and less flexible, hindering the ventricles from filling with blood.

Causes of cardiomyopathies vary and can include genetic factors, viral infections, long-term alcohol abuse, certain medications, and other medical conditions such as uncontrolled high blood pressure or thyroid disease. In some cases, the cause remains unknown, referred to as idiopathic cardiomyopathy.

Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet, and palpitations. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, and sometimes cardiac MRI or biopsy. Treatment strategies are tailored to the specific type of cardiomyopathy and may include medications to improve heart function, control blood pressure, and prevent blood clots. In more advanced cases, devices like pacemakers or defibrillators may be implanted, or heart transplantation may be considered.