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Cardiomyopathy is a disorder of the Heart Muscle

Paddy Kalish OD Blog Cardiomyopathy is a disorder of the Heart Muscle
Cardiomyopathy symptoms can include:
  • Shortness of breath or trouble breathing with activity or even at rest.
  • Chest pain, especially after physical activity or heavy meals.
  • Heartbeats that feel rapid, pounding or fluttering.
  • Swelling of the legs, ankles, feet, stomach area and neck veins.
  • Fatigue

A HCP will diagnose cardiomyopathy based on medical history, family history, a physical exam and diagnostic testing

Diagnostic tests

 

  • Blood tests: 
  • Chest X-ray: A chest X-ray takes pictures of the organs and structures inside the chest. It can show whether the heart is enlarged or if fluid is building up in the lungs. 
  • Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG): An EKG records the heart’s electrical activity, showing how fast the heart is beating and whether its rhythm is steady or irregular. An EKG may reveal changes from cardiomyopathy as well as other problems, including heart attacks, arrhythmias (abnormal heartbeats) and heart failure.     
  • Holter and event monitors: Both are portable devices that record the heart’s electrical activity during normal daily activities. A Holter monitor records the heart’s electrical activity for a 24- or 48-hour period. An event monitor records the heart’s electrical activity only at certain times. One may have to wear this portable monitor to diagnose heart problems that come and go.
  • Echocardiogram (Echo): An echocardiogram is a test that uses sound waves to create a moving picture of the heart. It shows how well the heart is working as well as its size and shape. The types of echocardiography include “stress echo,” which is administered as part of a stress test. Another type, transesophageal echo (or TEE), provides a view of the back of the heart.
  • Stress test: The aim of a stress test is to make the heart work hard (and beat fast) while tests are performed. These tests may include nuclear heart scanning, echo, and positron emission tomography (PET) scanning. One be asked to walk or run in an inclined treadmill.
Treatment options for cardiomyopathy
  • Lifestyle changes. Stopping alcohol use. Monitoring salt intake.
  • Medication to Lower blood pressure
  • Surgically implanted device that helps maintain proper heart rhythm
  • Ablation procedure. Removes extra heart tissue to reduce thickening
  • Heart transplant (for a severely damaged heart)

Depending on the type of cardiomyopathy , the heart muscle may become thicker, stiffer, or larger than normal. This can weaken the heart and cause an irregular heartbeat, heart failure, or a life-threatening condition called cardiac arrest. 

This is no TRIVIAL matter. See a HCP ASAP or call 911.

How can eye exams detect heart disease?

The eye is the only place in the body where a doctor can see the live action of blood vessels, nerves and connecting tissue without relying on an invasive procedure. That’s why Eye Physicians( OD,MD or DO)are the first to detect high blood pressure, high cholesterol, stroke and more.

While the marks left behind by eye stroke may be present in low numbers in healthy people, those with heart disease tend to have a far greater number. Researchers have calculated these results by reviewing the medical records of 90 people with heart disease and 70 healthy people, all of whom had received a retinal OCT scan.  

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Author
Paddy Kalish OD, JD and B.Arch

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