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Cardiomyopathy
Medical Questions » Cardiomyopathy
Name: Cardiomyopathy |
Also known as: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy |
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy means enlarged heart muscle disease (' hypertrophic' means over developed, ' cardio' refers to the heart, ' myo' to muscle, and ' pathy' to disease). Diseases and weakness of the heart muscle are very common in older people due to the aging process. |
Causes of Cardiomyopathy Almost any disease from an infection to a heart attack can cause cardiomyopathy, and so the term may be used when the exact nature of the heart disease present is unknown. Drugs, tumors and high blood pressure may also be responsible. |
Symptoms of Cardiomyopathy May be a trivial illness that is barely noticed by the patient, or may cause tiredness, weakness, shortness of breath and chest pains (angina). |
Tests for Cardiomyopathy Diagnosed by chest X-ray demonstrating an enlarged heart, ECG and echocardiogram. |
Treatment for Cardiomyopathy Medications such as digoxin, captopril, disopyramide, sotalol and a number of others, may be prescribed to strengthen the heart muscle and make it contract more efficiently.
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Complications of Cardiomyopathy of its treatment Can be a progressive disease that leads inevitably to death or the need for a heart transplant. |
Likely Outcome of Cardiomyopathy Depends on the cause, but in most cases can be controlled reasonably. |
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