3. Cardiomyopathy – When the Heart Muscle Falters
Cardiomyopathy signifies a group of conditions that involve the heart muscle. In these conditions, the heart muscle becomes either enlarged, thickened, or rigid. In severe cases, muscle tissue might even be replaced by scar tissue. As these conditions progress, the heart becomes increasingly weaker and less able to pump blood efficiently, leading to heart failure.
The spectrum of cardiomyopathy is vast, encompassing several types, each with their unique characteristics and consequences. The most common among these is dilated cardiomyopathy, wherein the heart’s chambers become enlarged and the muscle wall becomes thin, impairing the heart’s pumping ability. This weakened state, over time, can lead to left-sided heart failure, painting a clear picture of the direct link between cardiomyopathy and heart failure.
Like CAD, cardiomyopathy too is not a lost cause. With timely detection and appropriate management, the progression of the condition can be significantly slowed down.
This typically involves medications, lifestyle changes, and potentially devices or surgery to manage symptoms and halt disease progression. Such interventions can significantly reduce the risk of the disease escalating to left-sided heart failure. (3)
