Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle that affects its ability to pump blood efficiently. This condition can lead to serious health issues, including heart failure, arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac arrest.

At HeartCare Texas, we specialize in diagnosing and treating cardiomyopathy with a comprehensive, patient-centered approach. Our team of experienced cardiologists is dedicated to providing personalized care to improve your heart health and quality of life.

What is cardiomyopathy?

Cardiomyopathy refers to a group of diseases that affect the heart muscle. The heart becomes enlarged, thick, or rigid. In rare cases, the muscle tissue is replaced with scar tissue. As cardiomyopathy progresses, the heart becomes weaker and less able to pump blood through the body and maintain a normal rhythm.

Types of cardiomyopathy

• Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: This condition involves the thickening of the left ventricle, making it harder to pump blood efficiently. Symptoms can include shortness of breath, chest pain (angina), and dizziness.
   
• Dilated Cardiomyopathy: The heart's cavity enlarges and weakens, reducing its ability to pump blood.
   
• Restrictive Cardiomyopathy: It causes the heart muscle to become rigid, limiting its ability to fill with blood. This results in shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in the legs and arms.

Symptoms of cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy symptoms can develop slowly over time or appear suddenly. Common signs include:

• Shortness of breath, especially during physical exertion or lying down
• Weakness and fatigue
• Swelling in the legs, ankles, neck veins, and feet
• Chest pain
• Dizziness and fainting
• Rapid, fluttering or pounding heartbeats
   

Cardiomyopathy treatment at HeartCare Texas

HeartCare Texas offers expert care for patients with cardiomyopathy. Our approach includes:

• Comprehensive Evaluation: Utilizing diagnostic tests to accurately diagnose the type and severity of cardiomyopathy. Such tests may include blood tests, electrocardiogram (ECG), cardiac CT scans and MRIs, and chest X-rays.
   
• Personalized Treatment Plans: Tailoring treatments to each patient’s specific needs, which may include medications, lifestyle changes, or surgical interventions. Our treatment’s goals are to slow down the heart rate, improve blood flow, reduce blood pressure, and reduce the risk of complications overall.
   
• Ongoing Monitoring and Support: Offering continuous follow-up care to monitor progress and adjust treatments as necessary.

At HeartCare Texas, we are committed to helping our patients manage cardiomyopathy effectively, enhancing their heart health and overall well-being.