Cardiomyopathy: the Precursor to Heart Failure

Cardiomyopathy: the Precursor to Heart Failure

Cardiomyopathy refers to a range of diseases that affect the heart. Symptoms can vary greatly from patient to patient, and in some cases, an individual may not experience any symptoms despite the onset of cardiomyopathy. The early signs of cardiomyopathy can be subtle yet telling — sudden breathlessness in the middle of the night, swelling in the ankles, uncharacteristic fatigue. You might feel inclined to blame it on the stress of work or a subpar diet, but unless you consult a Tampa Bay heart doctor to diagnose your condition, you’ll never truly know if cardiomyopathy is at the root of your symptoms.

At Ascent Cardiology Group, we recognize that any medical condition affecting the heart should be addressed in its earliest stages to prevent further damage to this vital organ. Individuals with cardiomyopathy may not exhibit symptoms during the early stages; however, if left untreated, cardiomyopathy can lead to heart failure, a potentially fatal condition. Don’t be afraid to seek help for your heart problem. The best heart doctor in Tampa Bay, Dr. Sachin V. Diwadkar, FACC, FASE, of Ascent Cardiology Group, is standing by to answer all of your questions about cardiomyopathy.
Common Types of Cardiomyopathy
No two people will experience the exact same symptoms from cardiomyopathy. A patient’s age, medical history, genetics, and lifestyle can all play a role in the development of cardiomyopathy. The most common types of cardiomyopathy are dilated cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and restrictive cardiomyopathy.

Dilated cardiomyopathy occurs when the left ventricle becomes dilated and loses the ability to efficiently pump blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the result of heart muscle that has become too thick, making it difficult to pump blood efficiently. When the heart muscle loses elasticity and starts to become stiff, it is known as restrictive cardiomyopathy. There is also a form of cardiomyopathy referred to as arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia; however, this type of cardiomyopathy is much rarer as it is typically the result of genetic mutations.
Symptoms
Remember, not all patients with cardiomyopathy will experience noticeable symptoms. But as this condition advances, the likelihood of symptoms will increase. Furthermore, symptoms that are left untreated will typically grow more severe over time. Common symptoms include:

• Bloating caused by fluid buildup in the abdomen
• Bouts of coughing when lying down
• Breathlessness during periods of activity and rest
• Fainting
• Hard or rapid heart beats
• Sudden dizziness or lightheadedness
• Swelling of the legs, ankles, and feet
• Uncomfortable chest pressure
Causes
There are many potential causes of cardiomyopathy, including high blood pressure, connective tissue disorders, heart valve problems, damaged heart tissue, and metabolic disorders. Certain lifestyle decisions can also lead to cardiomyopathy. For example, smoking, drinking, using cocaine or other amphetamines, and anabolic steroids have all been linked to cardiomyopathy. Other causes are completely out of an individual’s control, like pregnancy complications. A Tampa Bay heart doctor can help you diagnose the root of your issue to help effectively treat cardiomyopathy and other related diseases or disorders.
Manage Cardiomyopathy With a Tampa Bay Heart Doctor
Living with cardiomyopathy doesn’t have to limit your quality of life. At Ascent Cardiology Group, it is our goal to help patients overcome their heart-related condition using the latest treatment modalities designed to provide patients with low-risk, long-term solutions. Whether your condition requires medication, a surgically implanted device (i.e. implantable cardioverter-defibrillator [ICD], ventricular assist device [VAD], or pacemaker), nonsurgical procedures, or surgery (i.e., septal myectomy), our experienced team of cardiologists is standing by to guide you every step of the way.
To consult the best heart doctor in Tampa Bay from Ascent Cardiology Group, please request an appointment today.
Disclaimer: The contents of this website are for general educational purposes only. All content and media on the Ascent Cardiology Group website does not constitute professional medical advice nor is the information intended to replace the services of Ascent Cardiology Group or other qualified medical professionals. If you believe you are having a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.

The content, views, and opinions communicated on this website do not represent the views of Ascent Cardiology Group. Reliance on any information provided by this website is solely at your own risk. Although this website contains links to other medical websites, this is strictly for informational purposes. Ascent Cardiology Group is not responsible nor do they approve of the content featured on any third party linked websites referenced on this website.
More Resources

Congenital Heart Defects: How to Ensure Your Baby Lives a Happy and Healthy Life

A congenital heart defect (CHD) is a defect that is present from birth and affects the structure of the heart or the surrounding veins and arteries. They are the most common types of birth defects in the United States, and until recent years, the outlook for a child born with CHD was grim. However, virtually all cases of CHD can now be corrected thanks to advancements in modern medicine. While CHD sufferers will still require life-long cardiac checkups, there’s no reason they can’t enjoy a happy and healthy life.

In this article, a cardiologist in Tampa Bay with Ascent Cardiology Group will shed some light on how CHD is diagnosed and treated. Being told that their child may be suffering from a heart condition is one of the most alarming things a new parent can hear. If you believe your child may be suffering from CHD, or your pediatrician recommends that you consult a cardiologist, schedule an appointment with Ascent Cardiology Group.
Diagnosing Congenital Heart Defects
CHD is usually detected within the first few months after birth. Signs that your child may be suffering from a severe CHD include:

Gray or blue skin Difficulty breathing Feeding difficulties Poor weight gain Low blood pressure Swelling in the legs, abdomen, or around the eyes Signs of a less severe CHD include:

• Swelling in the hands and feet
• Shortness of breath
• Exhaustion
• Fainting during physical activity

If your child is exhibiting any of the above symptoms, it’s important that you contact a cardiologist in Tampa Bay as soon as possible.

Once your child is under the care of a board-certified cardiologist, a number of tests can be performed to diagnose the CHD. An echocardiogram, electrocardiogram, and chest X-ray are all painless, non-invasive tests that can be performed to accurately determine if your child has a heart defect. What follows are the eight most common congenital heart defects that an individual can be diagnosed with:

• Ventricular septal defect
• Atrial septal defect
• Tetralogy of fallot
• Single ventricle defects
• Pulmonary valve stenosis
• Patent ductus arteriosus
• Dextro-transposition of the great arteries
• Aortic valve stenosis

There are many additional defects that could be affecting your child. The survival of someone diagnosed with a heart defect depends upon the severity of the defect, how early it is diagnosed, and how it is treated. Remember, diagnosis and treatment can’t come early enough for a child suffering from CHD.
Treating Congenital Heart Defects
Mild heart defects can safely go untreated, while others are treated with prescription medications. However, severe cases of CHD often require immediate surgery. A cardiologist with Ascent Cardiology Group can perform surgery using catheterization, a non-surgical option that allows your cardiologist to repair heart defects without the need for open-heart surgery. Some procedures must be performed in sessions over a period of years, while others will need to be repeated once the child has grown.

After treatment, your child will require life-long monitoring to ensure that their heart is functioning properly. To ensure that your child’s heart health is looked after now and well into the future, consult the top cardiologists in Tampa from Ascent Cardiology Group. Our team of cardiologists will do everything they can to ensure that your child lives a long and healthy life.
To consult one of the top cardiologists in Tampa from Ascent Cardiology Group, please request an appointment today.
Disclaimer: The contents of this website are for general educational purposes only. All content and media on the Ascent Cardiology Group website does not constitute professional medical advice nor is the information intended to replace the services of Ascent Cardiology Group or other qualified medical professionals. If you believe you are having a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.

The content, views, and opinions communicated on this website do not represent the views of Ascent Cardiology Group. Reliance on any information provided by this website is solely at your own risk. Although this website contains links to other medical websites, this is strictly for informational purposes. Ascent Cardiology Group is not responsible nor do they approve of the content featured on any third party linked websites referenced on this website.
More Resources