Cardiomyopathy is divided into four types.

Written by Li Hai Wen
Cardiology
Updated on September 27, 2024
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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.

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Written by Tang Li
Cardiology
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Treatment of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, due to unknown causes and often related to genetic factors, is difficult to prevent. It is important to guide patients on how to lead their lives, reminding them to avoid intense physical activities, heavy lifting, or breath-holding to reduce the incidence of sudden death. Avoid using drugs that enhance myocardial contractility and reduce cardiac capacity load, such as digoxin and nitrates, to decrease the aggravation of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. The treatment principle for this disease is to slow down the hypertrophy of the myocardium, prevent tachycardia, and maintain normal sinus rhythm. It also aims to relieve the narrowing of the left ventricular outflow tract and counteract arrhythmias. Currently, the use of beta blockers and calcium channel blockers is advocated. For severe obstructive patients, interventional and surgical treatments can be carried out, including the implantation of a dual-chamber DTD pacemaker, and the ablation or removal of hypertrophied interventricular septum myocardium.

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Written by Liu Yong
Cardiology
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Does cardiomyopathy require surgery?

Firstly, whether myocardial disease requires surgery, we need to clarify the type of myocardial disease and the stage of myocardial disease, that is, the stage of heart function that has been affected. There are many types of myocardial diseases, including dilated cardiomyopathy, ischemic cardiomyopathy, and restrictive cardiomyopathy, for instance. The treatment plans for different types of myocardial diseases are not exactly the same. For example, dilated cardiomyopathy is generally treated with medication, and only in the very late stages of dilated cardiomyopathy, or what is known as stage IV heart function, when conventional medication is ineffective, heart transplantation might be considered if a donor is available and conditions allow. However, currently, heart donors are extremely rare, making this option quite difficult to achieve. The latest advances in clinical research have introduced artificial mechanical hearts available for transplantation, but the costs of surgery are very high, and the technology is not very mature yet. Therefore, the chances and opportunities for surgery are not very great and must be decided based on the situation. For other conditions, such as ischemic cardiomyopathy, if it is clearly caused by severe ischemia, we might consider addressing the factors causing myocardial ischemia, such as performing a coronary angiography. If there is severe coronary artery stenosis, we might consider implementing a coronary artery stent or coronary artery bypass grafting to alleviate the ischemic factors. In cases like restrictive cardiomyopathy, if there are severe restrictive factors contributing to the disease, surgical treatment might also be pursued.

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Written by Li Hai Wen
Cardiology
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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)

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Written by Zhang Yue Mei
Cardiology
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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.

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Written by Li Hai Wen
Cardiology
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Clinical manifestations of dilated cardiomyopathy

The clinical manifestations of dilated cardiomyopathy can be summarized in two words: "three hearts," which are reflected in the following three aspects. First, heart enlargement, such as through chest X-rays or echocardiography, often reveals a notable enlargement of the patient's heart. Second, arrhythmias; dilated cardiomyopathy often accompanies a variety of arrhythmias, such as frequent ventricular premature beats, tachycardia, or atrial fibrillation. Third, heart failure. Dilated cardiomyopathy often results in symptoms of heart failure, such as exertional dyspnea and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea.