Cardiomyopathy
In more than half of the cases of dilated cardiomyopathy, the cause isn't known. As many as one-third of the people who have dilated cardiomyopathy inherit it from their parents.
- What Is Cardiomyopathy?
- Types of Cardiomyopathy
- What Causes Cardiomyopathy?
- Risks, Signs and Symptoms
- How Is Cardiomyopathy Diagnosed?
- How Is Cardiomyopathy Treated?
- How Can Cardiomyopathy Be Prevented?
- Key points
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How Can Cardiomyopathy Be Prevented?
You can't prevent inherited types of cardiomyopathy. However, you can take steps to lower your risk for conditions that may lead to or complicate cardiomyopathy, such as coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, and heart attack.
Your doctor may advise you to make lifestyle changes, such as:
- • Following a healthy diet and doing physical activity.See Cardiolabel
- • Quitting smoking.
- • Avoiding the use of alcohol and illegal drugs.
Your cardiomyopathy may be due to an underlying disease or condition. If you treat that condition early enough, you may be able to prevent cardiomyopathy complications. For example, to control high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and diabetes:
- • Get regular checkups with your doctor.
- • Follow your doctor's advice about lifestyle changes.
- • Take all of your medicines as your doctor prescribes.
It may be possible to prevent sudden cardiac arrest if doctors can identify a person at high risk for this condition and treat him or her with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator.
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Living With Cardiomyopathy
Some people who have cardiomyopathy, especially those who have the hypertrophic type, may live a healthy life with few problems or symptoms. Others may have serious symptoms and complications.
If you have cardiomyopathy, you can take steps to take care of your heart. Lifestyle changes and ongoing care can help you manage your disease.
Lifestyle Changes
A healthy diet and physical activity are part of a healthy lifestyle. Your doctor can help you decide what kind of eating plan is right for you.
Talk with your doctor about the amounts and types of fluids that are safe and healthy for you. Your doctor also may suggest a diet that's low in sodium (salt) and fat. (For more information about healthy diet, see "How Is Cardiomyopathy Treated?")
Talk with your doctor about the amount and type of physical activity that's right for you. People who have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy shouldn't do vigorous exercise. However, moderate exercise, such as walking, often is a good idea.
Your doctor also may recommend other lifestyle changes, such as:
- • Quitting smoking
- • Losing excess weight
- • Avoiding the use of alcohol and illegal drugs
- • Getting enough sleep and rest
- • Reducing stress
Ongoing Care
If you have cardiomyopathy, it's important to get ongoing care. Call your doctor if you notice new or worse symptoms, such as swelling in your ankles, feet, legs, or abdomen. These symptoms may be a sign that the disease is getting worse.
You also should:
- • Take all of your medicines as your doctor prescribes.
- • Make all of the lifestyle changes that your doctor recommends.
- • Make sure you go to all of your medical checkups.
- Follow your treatments for any underlying conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
Cardiomyopathy often runs in families. Your doctor may suggest that your parents, brothers and sisters, and children get checked to see whether they have the disease.