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Cardiomyopathy
Breathe easier and return your heart to better health by dealing with the damage caused by cardiomyopathy. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful.
- See a specialist
Consult a cardiologist for advice on treating your type of cardiomyopathy and its underlying causes
- Count on coenzyme Q10
At mealtime, take 100 to 150 mg a day of this powerful antioxidant to improve quality of life, heart function, and survival rates
- Get help from hawthorn
Relieve heart failure symptoms associated with cardiomyopathy by taking 160 to 900 mg a day of a standardized extract of this heart-healthy herb
- Kick the habits
Prevent cardiomyopathy and its complications by limiting or giving up alcohol and ending your addiction to cigarettes
- Discover arjun
Improve heart function by taking 500 mg of a concentrated extract of this herb three times a day
Also indexed as:
- asymmetric septal hypertrophy (ASH),
- cardiomyopathy,
- DCM,
- dilated cardiomyopathy,
- HOCM,
- hypertrophic cardiomyopathy,
- idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis,
- IHSS,
- obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy,
- restrictive cardiomyopathy
About this treatment
About This Condition
Cardiomyopathy refers to abnormalities in the structure or function of the heart muscle. There are three major types of cardiomyopathy: dilated congestive, hypertrophic, and restrictive.
The most prevalent form is dilated congestive cardiomyopathy (DCM). In people with DCM, the heart muscle is damaged, most commonly by coronary artery disease (atherosclerosis). People with diabetes have been reported to be at increased risk of DCM. DCM can also be triggered by alcohol abuse, infections, exposure to certain drugs and toxins, nutritional deficiencies, connective tissue diseases, hereditary disorders, and pregnancy.
In DCM, the heart gradually loses its efficiency as a pump. Cardiomyopathy is a serious health condition and requires expert medical care rather than self-treatment. However, because of the associations between cardiomyopathy and diseases such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, hypertension, and congestive heart failure, lifestyle recommendations for the prevention of these conditions may also help prevent DCM.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is usually a hereditary disorder, although the incidence of this form of cardiomyopathy may also be higher in people with hypertension. Restrictive cardiomyopathy is usually due to a connective tissue disease, cancer, or an autoimmune condition. Both hypertrophic and restrictive cardiomyopathies are relatively uncommon.
Symptoms
People with cardiomyopathy may have difficulty breathing during light exertion, and they may become fatigued easily. Other chronic symptoms are swelling around the ankles and an enlarged abdomen.
Last Review: 05-11-2011
Copyright © 2011 Aisle7. All rights reserved. www.Aisle7.net
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The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2011.
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
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