Is dilated cardiomyopathy more serious or is myocardial ischemia more serious?

Written by Li Hai Wen
Cardiology
Updated on November 01, 2024
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This has to be judged comprehensively based on the following conditions: First, the age factor. If it occurs in young people, dilated cardiomyopathy tends to be more severe. This is because dilated cardiomyopathy is an organic heart disease, and myocardial ischemia in young people may not necessarily involve organic heart disease changes, but could also be normal physiological changes in the electrocardiogram. Second, whether there is concurrent cardiac function impairment. Dilated cardiomyopathy definitely involves impairment of the heart's pumping function, whereas myocardial ischemia does not necessarily involve such impairment. Therefore, in most cases, dilated cardiomyopathy is more serious.

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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.

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Written by Li Hai Wen
Cardiology
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What should be paid attention to in daily life with dilated cardiomyopathy?

For dilated cardiomyopathy, attention should be paid to the following two aspects: First, maintain good living habits, such as a low-salt diet, abstaining from smoking and alcohol, and adhering to appropriate exercise when the condition is stable. At the same time, try to avoid staying up late and excessive fatigue. Second, standardized medication treatment should be carried out under the guidance of a doctor. This includes drugs such as the diuretic furosemide or spironolactone, as well as beta-blockers like metoprolol sustained-release tablets. Proper medication can improve symptoms, reduce the occurrence of heart failure, and lessen hospital visits, thereby improving life quality and extending life span. Never stop or switch any medication on your own at home. (Please consult a doctor before using any medication)

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Written by Li Hai Wen
Cardiology
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Do you have to take medication for life for dilated cardiomyopathy?

Dilated cardiomyopathy refers to a disease characterized by an enlarged heart, especially significant enlargement of the left ventricle, along with a severe reduction in the heart's ejection fraction. Those diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy generally require long-term, and possibly lifelong, medication management. This includes diuretic medications such as furosemide or spironolactone, and β-blocker agents such as metoprolol or bisoprolol. These medications can effectively improve symptoms of heart failure caused by dilated cardiomyopathy, enhance quality of life, and even extend lifespan. Therefore, it is crucial for patients with dilated cardiomyopathy to take medications as prescribed by a doctor and not to discontinue them arbitrarily.

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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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Do you need to take medication for a long time for dilated cardiomyopathy?

Patients with dilated cardiomyopathy need long-term or even lifelong medication because dilated cardiomyopathy is an incurable disease that requires medication to properly control the onset of heart failure symptoms. The symptoms of heart failure due to dilated cardiomyopathy can easily recur, leading to repeated hospitalizations, often related to the patient's irregular medication use or arbitrary discontinuation of medication. Therefore, patients with dilated cardiomyopathy must take medication under a doctor's guidance for long periods, such as using diuretics and medication like sustained-release metoprolol, etc. At the same time, it is important to maintain good living habits, a low-salt diet, a good emotional state, and conduct moderate exercise under stable conditions.