Subscribe
Cardiomyopathy
How to recover from decreased physical fitness due to dilated cardiomyopathy?
Dilated cardiomyopathy is diagnosed after excluding conditions such as hyperthyroidism, hypertension, coronary heart disease, cardiac hypertrophy, or myocarditis as underlying causes. Generally, the exact cause of dilated cardiomyopathy is unknown, rendering causal treatment impossible. Once diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, it is impossible to completely cure the condition. The only approach is to manage symptoms and prevent further progression of the disease. Typically, this involves the use of beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and diuretics. If the patient has severe cardiac dysfunction, drugs like digoxin, which strengthen heart function, may be considered. If medication does not adequately control the condition, other treatments like CRT might be considered, as well as the use of phosphodiesterase inhibitors, diuretics, or intravenous cardiotonic glycosides.
Is dilated cardiomyopathy more serious or is myocardial ischemia more serious?
This has to be judged comprehensively based on the following conditions: First, the age factor. If it occurs in young people, dilated cardiomyopathy tends to be more severe. This is because dilated cardiomyopathy is an organic heart disease, and myocardial ischemia in young people may not necessarily involve organic heart disease changes, but could also be normal physiological changes in the electrocardiogram. Second, whether there is concurrent cardiac function impairment. Dilated cardiomyopathy definitely involves impairment of the heart's pumping function, whereas myocardial ischemia does not necessarily involve such impairment. Therefore, in most cases, dilated cardiomyopathy is more serious.
What should I do if dilated cardiomyopathy is causing insomnia?
Dilated cardiomyopathy causing insomnia needs to be treated based on the cause of the insomnia. First, if it is simply poor sleep quality causing occasional insomnia, no special treatment is needed. However, if insomnia occurs daily and affects quality of life, sleep-improving medications such as eszopiclone or zopiclone may be taken under a doctor's guidance. Second, if caused by worsening heart failure symptoms, which lead to nocturnal respiratory distress and affect sleep, resulting in insomnia, the treatment for heart failure should be intensified under a doctor's guidance, for instance, by increasing diuretic treatment or adjusting medications. Improving heart failure symptoms naturally enhances sleep quality. (If medication is required, please do so under the guidance of a doctor)
Late-stage symptoms of dilated cardiomyopathy
The so-called advanced stage refers to a phase where cardiac function has reached stage four. The common clinical manifestations of this stage are primarily those of heart failure, such as chest tightness and shortness of breath after activity, inability to lie flat at night, general edema, and even accumulation of fluid in the chest and abdominal cavity. Some patients with severe edema might experience abdominal distension, poor appetite, and even malnutrition, which are all manifestations of heart failure. Once cardiac function reaches stage four, patients with dilated cardiomyopathy are highly susceptible to malignant arrhythmias, such as ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. These types of arrhythmias are a common cause of death in the late stages of dilated cardiomyopathy. Therefore, proactive prevention is crucial for these patients as they have a very poor prognosis, and it is essential to maintain active communication with their families.
What is the prognosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?
The prognosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy varies greatly, and it is the primary cause of sudden death in adolescents and athletes because it can progress to end-stage heart failure. Additionally, a small percentage may experience heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and embolism, but many patients have mild symptoms and can have a life expectancy close to normal. For the treatment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, adequate sudden death risk assessment and ICD prevention should be conducted. Because hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most common cause of sudden cardiac death in young people and athletes, an ICD can effectively prevent the occurrence of sudden death. Preventing high-risk factors, including previous cardiac arrest, one or more sudden deaths in first-degree relatives, severe left ventricular hypertrophy, and findings of repetitive non-sustained ventricular tachycardia on a 24-hour Holter monitor, low blood pressure during exercise, and unexplained syncope, especially during exercise, poses a high risk of sudden death in these patients.
Cardiomyopathy is divided into four types.
From a medical perspective, common cardiomyopathies are mainly divided into the following four categories: First, dilated cardiomyopathy, which refers to a type of cardiomyopathy characterized by significant enlargement of the heart, thinning of the ventricular walls, and declined heart function. Second, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which refers to a type of cardiomyopathy primarily characterized by thickening of the ventricular walls. Third, arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia, a type of cardiomyopathy that is often clinically associated with episodes of ventricular arrhythmias. Fourth, restrictive cardiomyopathy, which is generally considered rare in clinical practice.
What causes cardiomyopathy?
In clinical practice, the most common type of myocarditis is viral myocarditis. Due to a decrease in the body's resistance, the virus invades and damages the myocardium, causing localized and diffuse inflammatory damage to the heart muscle, which poses significant harm to the body. The early clinical symptoms of viral myocarditis often manifest primarily as respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms, accompanied by palpitations and shortness of breath, necessitating the use of electrocardiograms and myocardial enzyme spectrum tests. Early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of viral myocarditis play a crucial role in the prognosis.
Can people with cardiomyopathy eat beef?
Patients with myocarditis can eat beef, but not too much. They should consume beef in small amounts. Beef is a type of meat with very high nutritional value, and it is a major source of high-quality protein, trace elements, and minerals for the human body. Eating beef regularly can improve the body's immunity and disease resistance. For patients with myocarditis, eating beef can help accelerate the repair of myocardial tissue. However, it is advisable not to eat fatty beef but instead choose lean meat and consume it in moderation. It is also important to pay attention to dietary structure, preferably eating easily digestible, high-protein nutritional foods, and increase the intake of vegetables and fruits, which can aid in the recovery from myocarditis.
What is dilated cardiomyopathy?
Dilated cardiomyopathy is a relatively common disease in our daily lives. So, what is dilated cardiomyopathy? It refers to a disease characterized primarily by an enlarged heart and a severe reduction in the heart's pumping function. The cause of dilated cardiomyopathy is often unclear. Its clinical symptoms typically present as symptoms of heart failure, such as exertional dyspnea, or severe orthopnea and profuse sweating. Additionally, arrhythmias are also a common manifestation of dilated cardiomyopathy, such as atrial fibrillation, frequent premature ventricular contractions, and ventricular tachycardia. If diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, it is essential to visit the department of cardiology at a hospital for specialized treatment and to take medication as prescribed. (The use of medication should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)
Can people with cardiomyopathy eat spicy food?
Generally speaking, patients with cardiomyopathy during stable phases may consider consuming spicy food, especially since these patients often have relatively poor appetites. Using mildly spicy food can potentially stimulate the appetite and improve nutritional status. However, from another perspective, excessive consumption of spicy food may cause patients to drink large amounts of water. Excessive intake could potentially increase the burden on cardiac function; therefore, it is not recommended for patients with cardiomyopathy to consume overly spicy foods. Patients with cardiomyopathy also have dietary restrictions, including a diet low in salt and fat, as overly salty diets can also exacerbate the burden on the heart and kidneys.