The difference between cardiomyopathy and coronary heart disease

Written by Li Hai Wen

Cardiology

Updated on January 11, 2025

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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 Di Zhi Yong

Cardiology

44sec

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Can patients with dilated cardiomyopathy eat sea cucumber?

In general, if a patient is diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, it is advised that the patient actively treats and controls the symptoms, as this disease tends to recur. If the patient's cardiac function declines, sometimes it may be necessary to use some anti-myocardial drugs to treat this disease. In terms of diet, it is generally recommended that the patient follows a light diet, especially avoiding spicy and stimulating foods. As for sea cucumber, I personally recommend eating it sparingly, as sometimes it can have certain impacts on the human body. It is still advisable to adhere to a light diet, focusing on eating more vegetables and fruits, while also educating patients to improve symptoms through dietary exercise.

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Written by Liu Ying

Cardiology

1min 15sec

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What should be noted for dilated cardiomyopathy?

Patients with dilated cardiomyopathy should actively look for the cause of the disease and provide corresponding treatments, such as controlling infections, strictly limiting or abstaining from alcohol, treating relevant endocrine or autoimmune diseases, correcting electrolyte disorders, and improving nutritional imbalances, etc. In the early stages of dilated cardiomyopathy, although there is already enlargement of the heart and impairment of contractile function, there are no clinical manifestations of heart failure. At this stage, early pharmacological intervention should be actively implemented to slow down ventricular remodeling and further damage to the myocardium, delaying the progression of the disease. As the condition progresses, the patient's ventricular contractile function further decreases and clinical manifestations of heart failure appear. At this point, treatment should follow the guidelines for chronic heart failure. However, the specifics of the treatment and the choice of medication should be determined by a specialist based on the patient’s condition.

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Written by Zhang Yue Mei

Cardiology

45sec

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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 Zhang Yue Mei

Cardiology

1min

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What department should I register for cardiomyopathy?

Myocardial disease is a common and frequently occurring disease in clinical practice, caused by various reasons leading to pathological changes in the myocardium. Common causes include viral infections, immune system disorders, and other factors, which can lead to degeneration, necrosis, fibrosis, and interstitial edema of the myocardium. This can cause heart failure, arrhythmias, and in severe cases, even death. Therefore, early diagnosis and timely treatment can save patients' lives and alleviate their suffering. It is necessary to consult with a psychiatrist, undergo relevant examinations under the guidance of a psychiatrist, make a clear diagnosis, and actively treat and rescue the patients.

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Written by Liu Ying

Cardiology

1min 4sec

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Can dilated cardiomyopathy be inherited?

We say that dilated cardiomyopathy is a type of cardiomyopathy characterized by enlargement of the left ventricle or both ventricles, accompanied by systolic dysfunction. Some cases of dilated cardiomyopathy are familial, with the main inheritance patterns being autosomal dominant, X-linked recessive, and more rarely, mitochondrial inheritance. The cause of most dilated cardiomyopathies is unclear, but potential causes include infections, non-infectious inflammation, endocrine metabolic disorders, genetics, psychological trauma, and poisoning, including alcohol poisoning. Alcoholism is a common cause of dilated cardiomyopathy in China. Clinically, dilated cardiomyopathy presents with cardiac enlargement, heart failure, arrhythmias, thromboembolism, and sudden death.