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 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.

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Written by Zhang Yue Mei
Cardiology
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Is cardiomyopathy life-threatening?

Whether cardiomyopathy poses a threat to life depends on the severity of the condition. Mild myocardial damage, if detected early, diagnosed early, and treated with effective medications in a timely manner, generally has a good prognosis, poses no threat to life, and leaves no sequelae. Severe myocardial damage, due to lack of timely treatment, can lead to serious complications such as heart failure, arrhythmias, and cardiogenic shock, which can endanger life safety. Therefore, early diagnosis, early treatment, and prevention of complications are crucial treatment measures for cardiomyopathy.

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Written by Liu Yong
Cardiology
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Dilated cardiomyopathy clinical manifestations

Dilated cardiomyopathy is a type of heart disease characterized clinically by a significant enlargement of the heart, a marked reduction in ejection fraction, and a significant decline in heart function. Common clinical manifestations of this disease often present as heart failure symptoms, including chest tightness and shortness of breath after activity, nocturnal paroxysmal breathing difficulties, inability to lie flat, as well as swelling of the lower limbs and abdominal wall, and even conditions such as pleural effusion and ascites. Additionally, it may be associated with various types of arrhythmias, such as premature beats and tachycardia, especially ventricular tachycardia, which are all manifestations of dilated cardiomyopathy.

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Written by Li Hai Wen
Cardiology
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The difference between cardiomyopathy and coronary heart disease

Cardiomyopathy refers to a type of disease characterized primarily by organic changes in the myocardium, such as dilated cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and restrictive cardiomyopathy. These diseases are characterized mainly by pathological changes in the myocardium itself, forming a category of heart diseases. In contrast, coronary heart disease often refers to a type of heart disease caused by the narrowing of the coronary arteries due to atherosclerosis, leading to insufficient blood supply to the heart. Cardiomyopathy often manifests as damage to the myocardium, while coronary heart disease often manifests as blockage of the blood vessels. This is the fundamental difference between these two categories of heart diseases.

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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.