About idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy
What is idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy?
General Discussion
Pediatric cardiomyopathy is a rare heart condition that affects infants and children. Specifically, cardiomyopathy means disease of the heart muscle (myocardium). Several different types of cardiomyopathy exist and the specific symptoms vary from case to case. In some cases, no symptoms may be present (asymptomatic); in many cases, cardiomyopathy is a progressive condition that may result in an impaired ability of the heart to pump blood; fatigue; heart block; irregular heartbeats (tachycardia); and, potentially, heart failure and sudden cardiac death. Cardiomyopathy may be termed ischemic or nonischemic. Ischemic cardiomyopathy refers to cases that occur due to a lack of blood flow and oxygen (ischemia) to the heart. Such cases often result from hardening of the arteries (coronary artery disease). Nonischemic cardiomyopathy refers to cases that occur due to structural damage or malfunction of the heart muscle. Nearly all cases of pediatric cardiomyopathy are nonischemic. This report deals with nonischemic pediatric cardiomyopathy. Cardiomyopathy may also be termed primary or secondary. Primary cardiomyopathy refers to cases where cardiomyopathy occurs by itself or for unknown reasons (idiopathic). Secondary cardiomyopathy refers to cases where the disease occurs secondary to a known cause such as heart muscle inflammation (myocarditis) caused by viral or bacterial infections; exposure to certain toxins such as heavy metals or excessive alcohol use; or certain disorders that affect the heart and/or additional organs systems. According to the Pediatric Cardiomyopathy Registry, approximately 79 percent of pediatric cardiomyopathy cases occur for unknown reasons (idiopathic). Nonischemic cardiomyopathy may be further divided into four subtypes based upon the specific changes within the heart. These subtypes are: dilated, hypertrophic, restrictive and arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia.
What are the symptoms for idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy?
Signs and symptoms of dilated cardiomyopathy may include:
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath (dyspnea) during activity or while lying down
- Reduced ability to exercise
- Swelling (edema) in the legs, ankles, feet or belly (abdomen)
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Fast, fluttering or pounding heartbeat (Palpitations)
What are the causes for idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy?
It may be difficult to determine the cause of dilated cardiomyopathy. However, many things can cause the left ventricle to dilate and weaken, including:
- Certain infections
- Complications of late-stage pregnancy
- Diabetes
- Excessive iron in the heart and other organs (hemochromatosis)
- Heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias)
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Obesity
- Heart valve disease, such as mitral valve or aortic valve regurgitation
Other possible causes of dilated cardiomyopathy include:
- Alcohol misuse
- Exposure to toxins, such as lead, mercury and cobalt
- Use of certain cancer medications
- Use of illegal drugs, such as cocaine or amphetamines
What are the treatments for idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy?
Treatment of dilated cardiomyopathy depends on the causes. The goals of treatment are to reduce symptoms, improve blood flow and prevent further heart damage. Dilated cardiomyopathy treatment may include medications or surgery to implant a medical device that helps the heart beat or pump blood.
Medications
A combination of medications may be used to treat dilated cardiomyopathy and prevent any complications. Medications are used to:
- Control the heart's rhythm
- Help the heart pump better
- Lower blood pressure
- Prevent blood clots
- Reduce fluid from the body
Drugs that are used to treat heart failure and dilated cardiomyopathy include:
- Blood pressure medications. Different types of drugs may be used to lower blood pressure, improve blood flow and reduce the strain on the heart. Such medications include beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs).
- Sacubitril/valsartan (Entresto). This drug combines an ARB with another type of medicine to help the heart better pump blood to the rest of the body. It's used to treat those with chronic heart failure.
- Water pills (diuretics). A diuretic removes excess fluid and salt from the body. Too much fluid in the body strains the heart and can make it difficult to breathe.
- Digoxin (Lanoxin). This drug can strengthen heart muscle contractions. It also tends to slow the heartbeat. Digoxin may reduce heart failure symptoms and make it easier to be active.
- Ivabradine (Corlanor). Rarely, this drug may be used to manage heart failure caused by dilated cardiomyopathy.
- Blood-thinners (anticoagulants). These drugs help prevent blood clots.
Surgeries or other procedures
Surgery may be needed to implant a device to control the heart's rhythm or help the heart pump blood. Type of devices used to treat dilated cardiomyopathy include:
- Biventricular pacemaker. This device is for people who have heart failure and irregular heartbeats. A biventricular pacemaker stimulates both of the lower heart chambers (the right and left ventricles) to make the heart beat better.
- Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD). An ICD doesn't treat cardiomyopathy itself. It monitors the heart rhythm and delivers electrical shocks if an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) is detected. Cardiomyopathy can cause dangerous arrhythmias, including those that cause the heart to stop.
- Left ventricular assist devices (LVAD). This mechanical device helps a weakened heart pump better. A LVAD usually is considered after less invasive approaches are unsuccessful. It can be used as a long-term treatment or as a short-term treatment while waiting for a heart transplant.
If medications and other treatments for dilated cardiomyopathy no longer work, a heart transplant may be needed.
What are the risk factors for idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy?
Risk factors for dilated cardiomyopathy include:
- Damage to the heart muscle from certain diseases, such as hemochromatosis
- Family history of dilated cardiomyopathy, heart failure or sudden cardiac arrest
- Heart valve disease
- Inflammation of the heart muscle from immune system disorders, such as lupus
- Long-term excessive alcohol or illegal drug use
- Long-term high blood pressure
- Neuromuscular disorders, such as muscular dystrophy
Is there a cure/medications for idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy?
When the heart's pumping sides/chambers start growing unusually large, the valves and muscles start stretching and thinning. It is the disease called Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyopathy.
The disease begins with the left side of the heart as the swelling of the heart chambers makes it difficult for the heart to pump enough blood to different parts of the body.
Cure/Treatments/Medications:
Cure and treatments of this disease should more likely be called Preventive measures for the disease do not increase further.
- Balanced Routine:
Once detected, it is not possible to cure the ailment completely because it is mostly related to a balanced lifestyle with a perfect diet and exercise. - Controlled Medications:
Doctors prescribe certain medicines such as blood thinners that could control heart rate and lower the risks of fatal heart conditions. - Device Implantation:
When the heart's left and right sides cannot work in rhythm, it's suggested to get devices implanted with it like Pacemakers and other advanced device implantations. - Surgeries Needed:
With all the above factors, if the heart still does not show good signs of recovery, doctors go for surgeries like Valve Repair or Replacements, By-Pass Surgeries, or Heart Transplants.
Symptoms
Always Tired,Unusual Weight Gain,Low on Energy Levels,Shortness of Breath,Chest Paining and Fainting
Conditions
Inflammation of Heart Muscle,Addiction to Alcohol and illegal drugs,Damage to heart muscle,Immune Disorders
Drugs
Angiotensin Receptor Blocker (ARB), Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE-I), ARB + Niprilysin Inhibitor, Beta-blocker, Diuretics (Water pills)