Fact 11. Unveiling Complications: The Ripple Effects of Cardiomyopathy
While cardiomyopathy primarily affects the heart, its impact isn’t limited to the cardiovascular system. The disease can lead to a host of complications, some of which can be life-threatening. Awareness of these potential complications can facilitate early detection and management.
One major complication of cardiomyopathy is heart failure. This occurs when the heart can’t pump blood efficiently to meet the body’s needs. Symptoms might include breathlessness, fatigue, and swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet.
Cardiomyopathy can also lead to arrhythmias or irregular heart rhythms. These arrhythmias can be benign, but in some cases, they may be life-threatening. For example, ventricular tachycardia, a rapid, life-threatening rhythm originating in the heart’s lower chambers, is a potential complication of cardiomyopathy.
Another potential complication is a blood clot. In dilated cardiomyopathy, the enlarged heart chambers can promote blood clot formation. If a clot breaks off and enters the bloodstream, it can block blood flow to other organs, leading to serious complications like a stroke or a heart attack.
Embolism, valve problems, and sudden cardiac arrest are other potential complications of cardiomyopathy. Notably, with regular follow-ups, medication adherence, lifestyle modifications, and appropriate interventions, the risk of these complications can be significantly reduced. (11)
