Cardiomyopathy symptoms

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Cardiomyopathy Symptoms: An Overview

Introduction to Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy refers to a group of diseases that affect the heart muscle, leading to structural and functional abnormalities. These conditions can be primary, involving genetic, mixed, or acquired factors, or secondary, resulting from infiltrative, toxic, or inflammatory causes . The major types of cardiomyopathy include dilated, hypertrophic, restrictive, and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy .

Common Symptoms of Cardiomyopathy

General Symptoms

Cardiomyopathy often presents with symptoms similar to those seen in heart failure. These include shortness of breath, fatigue, cough, orthopnea (difficulty breathing while lying flat), paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (sudden nighttime shortness of breath), and edema (swelling) . Patients may also experience chest pain, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, and palpitations.

Specific Symptoms by Cardiomyopathy Type

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)

DCM is characterized by left ventricular dilation and contractile dysfunction. Symptoms typically include those of systolic heart failure, such as reduced ejection fraction and peripheral edema. As the disease progresses, diastolic dysfunction may also occur, leading to more severe heart failure symptoms.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)

HCM patients often experience syncope (fainting) and presyncope, especially triggered by exertion or changes in posture. Postprandial (after eating) exacerbation of symptoms is also common, with patients reporting increased angina and reduced exercise capacity. Other symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, and palpitations.

Restrictive Cardiomyopathy (RCM)

RCM is the least common type and presents with symptoms of heart failure, such as dyspnea and fatigue. Patients may also experience peripheral edema and ascites (abdominal swelling) due to fluid retention.

Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC)

ARVC often presents with ventricular arrhythmias, which can lead to palpitations, syncope, and sudden cardiac arrest. Patients may also experience symptoms of heart failure as the disease progresses .

Peripartum Cardiomyopathy

Peripartum cardiomyopathy occurs during late pregnancy or postpartum. Symptoms include shortness of breath, excessive fatigue, swelling, nausea, palpitations, chest tightness, and dizziness. Emotional symptoms such as fear, anxiety, and feelings of impending death are also reported .

Stress-Induced Cardiomyopathy

Also known as Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, this condition is often triggered by severe emotional or physiological stress. Symptoms mimic those of acute coronary syndrome, including chest pain and shortness of breath. Electrocardiogram changes and elevated cardiac troponin levels are common.

Conclusion

Cardiomyopathy encompasses a range of heart muscle diseases with diverse etiologies and symptom profiles. Common symptoms across different types include shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, and palpitations. Specific symptoms can vary based on the type of cardiomyopathy, with some conditions presenting unique challenges such as syncope in HCM or arrhythmias in ARVC. Early recognition and targeted treatment are crucial for managing these conditions and improving patient outcomes.