Initiаl Pоst оn Cаrdiоmyopаthy Overview/ Introduction Cardiomyopathy (CM) is a disease in which an individual’s muscles in their heart fail to pump blood properly. Because of this, the heart has to work harder to perform its necessary functions and processes in everyday life. Due to the heart being a vital organ, cardiomyopathy can cause heart problems that have detrimental effects on the health of a patient. In addition, this disease can be found in people of all ages. Therefore, there are many types, causes, and treatments. Cardiomyopathy can affect the heart muscle in a variety of ways. The National Institute of Health (NIH) explains that depending on the type of condition, the heart muscles may become thicker, rigid, or enlarged in comparison to a normal heart (2022). These changes in pathology weaken the heart and may result in cardiac arrest, arrhythmia, or heart failure. Cardiomyopathy is a disease that can be life threatening, but it can also be managed with the proper treatment, medicines, and lifestyle. Etiology/ Genetic Risks Oftentimes the cause of cardiomyopathy is unknown, but typically results due to genetics, extreme stress, or other medical conditions. It can also occur during pregnancy and affect both the mother and baby. Cardiomyopathy caused by an underlying medical condition is known as acquired cardiomyopathy. This type onsets due to prolonged misuse of alcohol, chronic high blood pressure, heart valve issues, and damage to tissue or an infection in the heart. Cardiomyopathy may also be inquired. This means a family history assessment may be taken because the disease was likely inherited from a parent. The National Library of Medicine’s research indicates that gender also plays a role in genetic cardiomyopathies (2022). For example, peripartum cardiomyopathy, that occurs in pregnant women, and X-linked diseases both increase the risk of cardiomyopathy for women. Types of Cardiomyopathy The classifications of the types of cardiomyopathy depend on the anatomy and physiology of the heart. Some common types of cardiomyopathy are hypertrophic and dilated. Hypertrophic occurs when the heart muscles become enlarged. Thickened muscles block areas of the heart, preventing the heart from pumping blood properly. This type can occur in all ages and patients with this usually have a family history of the disease. Dilated cardiomyopathy is when the ventricles enlarge and weaken, which causes the heart to work harder. This type is commonly seen in older adults. In addition, there are some types of this disease that are considered uncommon. These rare types are arrhythmogenic and restrictive cardiomyopathy. In arrhythmogenic CM, heart muscle is replaced by scar tissue which causes arrhythmias. Whereas restrictive CM prevents the heart muscles from expanding and properly filling with blood between heartbeats. The Mayo Clinic reveals that cardiomyopathies that fall into a third category are called unclassified CM and pathology is typically unknown (2019). Physical Assessment/ Clinical Manifestations According to the Mayo Clinic, the signs and symptoms in the early stages of cardiomyopathy are little to none. Because of this, people often don’t know there is something seriously wrong until the later stages (2019). The progression of the disease produces an onset of signs and symptoms that are observed to be abnormal and potentially life threatening to an individual. A person with cardiomyopathy may experience shortness of breath (while being sedentary or active), swelling of the lower extremities, accumulating fluids in the abdomen, and chest pressure or discomfort. In addition, some symptoms they may present to a medical professional would be dizziness, fatigue, difficulty lying flat to sleep, and fainting. In some patients, nurses will notice a rapid worsening of symptoms. While in others, the disease worsens slowly over time. However, in both cases it is important for the symptoms to be treated before the disease progresses. Protocol for Diagnosis of CM If an individual is experiencing symptoms of CM, a nurse or doctor may ask what triggers those symptoms. The medical professional will also perform a chest x-ray to check for abnormalities of the heart and an echocardiogram to assess valve movement. In addition, blood tests can be given to monitor protein levels in the blood. Genetic screening and a treadmill stress test can also help with the diagnosis of CM in a patient. Clinical Practices for Treatment An individual with cardiomyopathy may be at risk for serious heart complications. Because of this, signs and symptoms should be thoroughly assessed and protocol for treatment should be taken seriously. If there is a known family history of CM, then the risk of the disease can be lessened by implementing a healthy lifestyle. NIH explains that exercising, eating heart- healthy foods, and controlling high blood pressure or diabetes can help alleviate the onset of CM (2022). In many cases, CM can’t be prevented but can be treated. The treatment plan will depend on the type of cardiomyopathy and the complications that come with it. Treatment may include medicines like ACE inhibitors or beta blockers to slow the heart rate and make it easier for the heart to pump blood. Blood thinners to reduce clots or digoxin to help with arrhythmias may also be administered. Refeat explains that if medicines don’t work, devices like implantable cardiac defibrillators or a pacemaker may be necessary to decrease the risk of cardiac arrest and sudden cardiac death (2018). Conclusion/ Outlook on Life with Cardiomyopathy Just like any complications with the heart, cardiomyopathy is a disease that can be fatal if not properly treated. According to The Nursing Health Institute, making healthy lifestyle changes and routine health checkups keep you in tune with your body and decrease the likelihood of detrimental effects from CM. Taking the prescribed medications, following the doctors’ orders, and getting regular screenings can all allow people with cardiomyopathy to live longer and happier lives.