hjartavöðvafla

Hjartavöðvafla refers to a condition affecting the heart muscle, medically known as cardiomyopathy. This broad term encompasses a range of diseases that thicken, stiffen, or enlarge the heart muscle, making it harder for the heart to pump blood to the rest of the body. The consequences can include heart failure, arrhythmias, and other serious cardiovascular problems.

There are several types of hjartavöðvafla. Dilated cardiomyopathy is characterized by a weakened and enlarged left ventricle, the heart's main pumping chamber. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy involves the thickening of the heart muscle, particularly the walls of the left ventricle. Restrictive cardiomyopathy is the least common type, where the heart muscle becomes stiff and less flexible, hindering its ability to fill with blood.

The causes of hjartavöðvafla can vary. Some forms are inherited, passed down through families. Others can be acquired due to factors such as viral infections, long-term high blood pressure, alcohol abuse, certain medications, or other medical conditions like diabetes. In some cases, the exact cause remains unknown.

Symptoms of hjartavöðvafla can include shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling in the legs and feet, heart palpitations, and chest pain. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of physical examination, medical history, electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, and sometimes cardiac MRI or biopsy. Treatment strategies depend on the specific type and severity of the condition and may include medications to manage symptoms and improve heart function, lifestyle changes, or in severe cases, devices like pacemakers or even heart transplantation.