Cardiomyopathy Congestive

Congestive cardiomyopathy: understanding, symptoms and treatment

Congestive cardiomyopathy, also known as systolic dysfunction cardiomyopathy, is a heart disease characterized by a weakened ability of the heart to contract and pump blood. This condition can cause fluid to accumulate in the lungs and other body tissues, causing symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling.

The main causes of congestive cardiomyopathy include hypertension (high blood pressure), coronary artery disease (narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the heart), valve defects, heart infections, and abnormal heart rhythms. Also, some cases of congestive cardiomyopathy may be hereditary.

Symptoms of congestive cardiomyopathy may include:

1. Shortness of breath: Patients may experience difficulty breathing or a feeling of shortness of breath, especially during exercise or while lying down.
2. Fatigue: Feeling weak and tired can occur even with little physical activity.
3. Swelling: Swelling in the legs, ankles, or even the abdomen and lungs can be signs of fluid retention in the body.
4. Palpitations: Rapid heartbeat or irregular heart rhythm may be symptoms of congestive cardiomyopathy.

The diagnosis of congestive cardiomyopathy can be made based on the patient's medical history, physical examination, electrocardiography (ECG), echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart), and other additional tests.

Treatment of congestive cardiomyopathy is aimed at improving cardiac contractility, controlling symptoms and preventing progression of the disease. This may include the following approaches:

1. Drug therapy: Your doctor may prescribe medications such as ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, diuretics, and others to reduce the workload on your heart and improve its function.

2. Lifestyle changes: Patients are encouraged to follow a healthy lifestyle that includes proper nutrition, physical activity, smoking cessation and stress management.

3. Surgery: In some cases, surgery, such as coronary artery bypass surgery or valve replacement, may be required to correct problems that contribute to the development of congestive cardiomyopathy.

4. Heart transplantation: In severe cases, when conservative treatment does not provide adequate results, a heart transplant may be required.

In addition, it is important to visit your doctor regularly and follow his recommendations. Patients should monitor their symptoms, control their blood pressure, avoid excessive physical activity, and adhere to the correct medication regimen.

Congestive cardiomyopathy is a serious heart disease that requires long-term and systematic treatment. Timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment can significantly improve the patient’s quality of life and prevent progression of the disease.

In conclusion, congestive cardiomyopathy is a heart disease characterized by weakened heart function and fluid accumulation in the body. Early medical attention and adherence to treatment recommendations play an important role in managing this condition.