Cardiomyopathy

The symptoms of cardiomyopathy can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. In some cases, there may be no symptoms at all, and the condition may only be discovered during routine medical exams or tests. Common symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity or when lying down
• Fatigue
• Swelling of the legs, ankles, and feet
• Irregular heartbeat
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Fainting

There are several factors that can contribute to the development of cardiomyopathy. Common cardiomyopathy causes include - 

• Genetics
• Infections
• Excessive use of alcohol and drugs
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Existing medical conditions or diseases

Contact a cardiologist or a healthcare professional in case your symptoms get worse with time. Since cardiomyopathy symptoms can be silent, the condition is not discovered until it is diagnosed. Therefore, regular health check-ups can ensure a healthy heart. You must also get in touch with a doctor if you are constantly experiencing difficulty breathing, fainting or chest pain that lasts for more than a few minutes.

The doctor analyses your symptoms and examines your medical history report to know the extent of the disease. Cardiomyopathy diagnosis also involves a thorough physical exam and several diagnostic tests. These tests may include:

• Echocardiogram
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Holter monitor
• Cardiac MRI
• Blood tests

Treatment for cardiomyopathy depends on the type and severity of the condition. For patients with mild symptoms of cardiomyopathy, the doctor may recommend lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, and maintaining a healthy weight can help manage symptoms. For severe cardiomyopathy, treatment options may include -

• Medications - These may include drugs that help manage symptoms such as diuretics to reduce fluid buildup, beta-blockers to slow the heart rate, and ACE inhibitors to lower blood pressure.
• Implantable devices - Devices such as pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), and biventricular pacemakers can help regulate heart rhythm and improve heart function.
• Surgical intervention - In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair or replace damaged heart valves or to remove a portion of the thickened heart muscle.
• Heart transplant - In severe cases, a heart transplant may be necessary to replace a damaged or weakened heart.

The BM Birla Heart Research Centre (BMB) is one of the largest multispecialty hospitals in Kolkata. Our hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, revolutionising the healthcare industry for the best surgical outcomes. 

In addition, BMB has several eminent specialists, doctors and healthcare providers of national and international reputations for comprehensive and personalised treatment. BMB provides patient-centric care and empathy from internationally trained nurses to ensure holistic care for patients seeking treatment for Cardiomyopathy. Here are a few advantages of choosing BMB for Cardiomyopathy treatment- 

• Highly qualified and experienced doctors
• 440-bed capacity along with cutting-edge technology and the latest medical equipment
• Hygienic and patient-friendly infrastructure
• Thorough screening and diagnosis
• Transparent Pricing Structure for cost-effective treatment
• Patient-centric, high-quality care for a high success rate
• Pain management and palliative care
• Complete and coordinated care for patients with all types of cancers.