8. Medications
There are various medications available to treat cardiomyopathy, and the selection typically depends on the root cause of the condition.
Beta-blockers, for instance, can lower blood pressure, reduce heart rate, and ease the burden on the heart.
ACE inhibitors or ARBs can expand blood vessels, decrease blood pressure, and improve blood flow to the heart.
Diuretics, meanwhile, can help with fluid accumulation in the body, which is beneficial for those with congestive heart failure.
Anti-arrhythmic drugs are another option, as they can help control abnormal heart rhythms that may result from cardiomyopathy.
7. Septal Myectomy
Septal myectomy is a surgical intervention used to manage hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
The procedure involves removing a portion of the thickened muscle in the septum, which is the wall between the left and right ventricles of the heart.
This eliminates the blockage of blood flow and improves blood circulation, resulting in reduced symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath.
Although septal myectomy can be an effective treatment, it is a major surgery that comes with risks and requires a period of recovery.
It is generally recommended for patients with severe symptoms that cannot be controlled with medication or other treatments.
6. Alcohol Septal Ablation
Alcohol septal ablation is a procedure used to treat hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. During this procedure, a small amount of alcohol is injected into a specific artery in the heart to induce a controlled heart attack that selectively destroys a portion of the thickened muscle tissue in the septum.
This reduces the obstruction of blood flow and improves blood circulation, resulting in reduced symptoms such as shortness of breath and chest pain.
5. Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator
An implantable cardioverter defibrillator is a medical device that is inserted under the skin of the chest to monitor heart rhythm and provide an electrical shock when necessary to correct an irregular heartbeat.
It can serve as a treatment for select forms of cardiomyopathy, such as dilated cardiomyopathy and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, which may lead to life-threatening arrhythmias.
4. Left Ventricular Assist Device
A left ventricular assist device is a device designed to aid the heart in pumping blood throughout the body.
It is commonly used to treat advanced heart failure, which can be a complication of certain types of cardiomyopathies.
This particular device is implanted in the chest and connected to the left ventricle of the heart. By helping to circulate blood when the heart is unable to do so effectively, it can improve symptoms such as fatigue and shortness of breath and can extend life.
However, the use of this device is a major surgical procedure and is typically reserved for patients who have exhausted other treatment options. It requires ongoing medical monitoring and management.
3. Pacemaker
A device called a pacemaker can be surgically implanted under the chest skin to regulate the heartbeat. It is an effective treatment for cardiomyopathies that cause abnormal heart rhythms such as dilated and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
The pacemaker emits electrical signals that aid the heart in maintaining a steady and consistent beat.
As a result, it can alleviate symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and fainting episodes. Furthermore, it can minimize the chances of potentially lethal arrhythmias.
2. Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Device
Cardiac resynchronization therapy is a treatment for heart failure and certain types of cardiomyopathies. It involves the use of a specialized device, called a cardiac resynchronization therapy device, which is similar to a pacemaker.
The device is implanted under the skin of the chest and sends small electrical impulses to the heart to help the ventricles beat together in a more synchronized manner.
This can improve the heart’s ability to pump blood to the rest of the body, reduce symptoms such as fatigue and shortness of breath, and improve quality of life.
This particular treatment is typically recommended for patients with moderate to severe heart failure who have not responded well to other treatments, such as medications.
1. Heart Transplant
Heart transplantation is a surgical procedure that involves replacing a damaged or diseased heart with a healthy heart obtained from a deceased donor.
It can be considered as a treatment option for severe cases of cardiomyopathy, when the heart can no longer function effectively, and other treatment methods have failed.
The transplanted heart can improve the patient’s quality of life and increase their life expectancy significantly.
However, it is a major surgery that involves potential risks and complications, and strict medical monitoring is required before and after the procedure.
A heart transplant is typically reserved for patients with severe cardiomyopathy who have exhausted other available treatment options.
These are cardiomyopathy symptoms and treatments worth knowing about.