Cardiomyopathy is the disease of the heart in which the muscles of the heart are affected to an extent that they become stiff or of an irregular size, the effect it has on the heart classifies the type of disorder it is. It can take up many forms, the most common of these are hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy, restrictive cardiomyopathy and Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia. As cardiomyopathy begins to become more severe, the overall health of the heart deteriorates; as a result, it weakens the ability of the heart to circulate blood leading to many other problems including heart failure.
Each form of cardiomyopathy has its own set of causes, however there are many overlapping factors, two of which include …show more content…
Angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and blood-thinning medication are administered and surgically implanted devices are used. ACE inhibitors are effective in lowering the burden the heart has by dilating blood vessels to relax them, they are used in combination with other drugs such as beta-blockers, depending on the needs of the subject, to aid in heart function. Beta-blockers lessen many symptoms that occur because of dilated cardiomyopathy including irregular heart function. Diuretics are also administered to combat the build-up fluid that may occur, the areas that are affected with excess fluid in dilated cardiomyopathy are the lungs and the lower portion of the legs. By removing fluid from the lungs the trouble that is caused by lying flat on the back is eased as well as general ease in breathing. To help with the strength of the heart contraction, that is severely affected, digoxin is given which boosts the overall capability to be …show more content…
Exercise is a major non-invasive treatment that can decrease many potentially fatal events, the more weight the body has the harder the heart has to work, by losing this the strain on the heart decreases. Stopping smoking, reducing alcohol intake and drug abuse are other remedies that help. By changing to a healthier diet that limits intake of salt, cholesterol and more intake of fruit helps to lose weight as well as lower the concentration of many harmful substances leading to healthier blood. Fatigue is a common symptom of this condition however by doing moderate daily physical activity it can aid in shedding weight and improve the mental