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Dec
31

Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyopathy

dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs 150x150 Dilated CardiomyopathyDilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a disease of the heart muscle where to heart becomes enlarged. The reason for this is unclear but it seems that the process of enlargement of the heart is slow and that dilated cardiomyopathy symptoms occur only in later stage of the disease. As a result of the increase of the heart occurs weakening of the heart with thin walls that cannot adequately pump blood throughout the body. This results in fluid accumulation in the body i.e. the lungs, which therefore become more crowded, and the feelings of lack of oxygen occur, which is called the failure of the left heart side. Also due to this right side heart failure is caused by fluid accumulation in tissues and organs such as the hands and feet, abdomen and liver.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy

In most cases the cause is unknown and the disease is then called idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. There are real causes of dilated cardiomyopathy such as other heart disease and hypertension. In many cases, dilated cardiomyopathy is a genetic disease so it is recommended to do additional tests to determine whether it is a genetic cause. Dilated cardiomyopathy may have a caused by virus infection. If a heart is attacked by a viral infection then it is called mitral myocarditis, and often it is without consequences, but if the virus makes a serious damage consequences can occur as a result of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. Dilated cardiomyopathy, which is caused by viral infection, is often a consequence of the body’s reaction to the attack of the virus which can cause auto immune reactions (occurring when the body instead of defending itself against foreign body attacks itself) that can destroy the heart. One of the causes of dilatation cardiomyopathy may be consuming alcohol in large quantities. Apart from alcohol some anti-cancer therapies of cancer affecting the development of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy Treatment

Most common used medication used for dilated cardiomyopathy treatment is:

  • ACE-inhibitors (group of drugs that can prevent further heart failure in case of shortness of breath. Drugs have side effects like redness, dry cough or a metallic taste in mouth. If a patient has difficulties with tolerance of ACE-inhibitors then the treatment dilated cardiomyopathy are Angiotensin receptor blockers.)
  • Diuretics (group of drugs that can contribute to improving the treatment of heart failure but does not fall within the core group of drugs for cardiomyopathy. Diuretics are also known as water pills, whose purpose is to reduce fluid in the body, and therefore increase the amount of urine.)
  • Beta blockers (one of the most abundant group of drugs when it comes to cardiomyopathy.)

Similar to restrictive cardiomyopathy and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy is treated in different ways. The first thing is to follow cardiologist’s advices, the second one is to be patient.

We wish you all Happy New Year,

FeelGoodTime.net Staff
Category: Cardiac Health  Tags: ,  2 Comments
Dec
27

Restrictive cardiomyopathy

Restrictive Cardiomyopathy

restrictive cardiomyopathy in children 150x150 Restrictive cardiomyopathyRestrictive cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle when the muscle wall becomes stiff but not thickened, and resist filling with blood.
This is the least studied type of cardiomyopathy and is divided into idiopathic, whose cause is unknown, and secondary.

Secondary restrictive cardiomyopathy may have causes in a variety of rare heart disease as well as systemic diseases such fibrosis or rare metabolic diseases as a result of radiation after any type of cancer, etc. Recent studies indicate that the restrictive cardiomyopathy has a background in similar genetic abnormalities, which is similar to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Restrictive cardiomyopathy symptoms are similar to those in all forms of failure of the heart muscle:

  • fatigue
  • shortness of breath
  • bloating
  • Some patients can develop blood clots
  • An abnormal heart rhythm is customary

The tests that indicate restrictive cardiomyopathy are the same as for all other forms of cardiomyopathy. Unfortunately there is no cure for the disease. Similar to most types of cardiomyopathies there are ways to reduce symptoms and prevention.

The purpose medical restrictive cardiomyopathy treatment is to alleviate the problems of heart rate and prevent blood clots. Cardiac pacemaker is installed in situations of slow heart rhythm and heart block. For more serious cases the only solution is a heart transplant. Restrictive cardiomyopathy in children can cause symptoms such lack of appetite, lack of growth .With time restrictive cardiomyopathy symptoms are similar to those of adults.

Category: Cardiac Health  Tags: ,  3 Comments
Dec
25

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Symptoms

What is Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy?

apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy 150x150 Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy SymptomsIt has been quite time since we wrote anything new regarding cardiac health. After our rewarded cardiac pacemaker procedure we have decided to focus today on cardiomyopathy (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy).

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle that does not necessarily affect the deterioration of one’s life and the course of the illness is individual. A number of people with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy during the life of feeling certain hypertrophic cardiomyopathy symptoms and due to the development and worsening of symptoms, there is the possibility of sudden death. The main characteristic of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a thickening of the heart muscle. Cardiac muscle can be thickened in healthy individuals as a result of high pressure or extreme sports. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most common inherited disease. Microscopic examination of cardiac muscle cells we recognized the irregular arrangement of muscle cells and therefore the phenomenon known as myocardial confusion. The latest research shows that if a family member has these diseases, the possibility that its descendant has it, is the 50%. Illness does not skip generations, and is transmitted equally to males and females. According to recent studies it was shown that hypertrophic cardiomyopathy disease is more common than previously thought. According to the research of Dr. Maron in 1995th estimation is that the 1 in 500 or 1 in 1,000 people is affected by hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is seen in the thickening of the entire ventricle (ventricle) or part of it. Normal left ventricular septum dimensions are 0.8-1.2 in contrast to the increased amount from 1.3-6.0 cm. Thickening usually occurs in childhood or early adolescence, although there are reported cases of detecting it at a later age.

According to the thickening of ventricular there are four types of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy:

  • Concentric hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
  • Apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
  • Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM)
  • Nonobstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)

Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM)

If the septum is much thickened during movement of blood from the left atrium (prechamber) in ventricular (ventricle), mistral valve touches the septum and the matter in the normal blood flow causing turbulent blood flow and the phenomenon called obstruction. This blood flow is accompanying auditory phenomenon called murmur stethoscope that can hear. Position of the mitral valve in this case causes the return of blood that is leaking blood. At HOCM also features a special phenomenon called SAM or systolic mistral valve motion background.

Nonobstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)

The most common form of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy also known under the names of HCM (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) and IHSS (idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis) where the thickening occurs in the upper part of the septum (wall) between the left and right parts of the. The mitral valve then remains in its usual place, so there is no phenomenon called obstruction.

Concentric hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Symmetric or concentric hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is manifested in the thickening around ventricle, usually the left. Due to recent research it was noted that this type of cardiomyopathy occurs more frequently in Asia, especially in Japan.

Apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Thickening occurs at apex of the heart, i.e. the very top of the heart and it usually affects the left side of the heart.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Symptoms:

Wheezing – Dyspnea

Dyspnea is manifested as a lack of oxygen during respiration, more correctly as the inability to breathe enough or your breath shortness. It mostly occurs during exertion or less physical activity with fatigue.

Chest pain

The chest pain can occur during activities as well as at rest and during sleep. It may be short-lived and can be dull and long. It happens due to lack of oxygen to the heart which needs it t work properly. Chest pain is most commonly sign of a heart attack risk.

Fatigue

Unexplained fatigue may also be a symptom of nonobstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, because the heart is constantly strains to be pump blood, which can result in increased need for a good night sleep.

“Heart skipping”

In healthy hearts sometimes heart beats irregularly, but sometimes with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Symptomshypertrophic cardiomyopathy it is typical. What you feel like skipping the heart may be an early, extra or skipped beats. They can occur suddenly without any external cause, additional hypertrophic cardiomyopathy symptoms and suddenly stop. In addition, they can be caused by fatigue, insomnia, stress, large amounts of protein (coffee, tea, coca-cola) or alcohol. Irregular heart rate can be isolated and can occur with other symptoms such as sudden sweating and dizziness.

Dizziness and fainting

Episodes of vertigo can occur during exertion, physical activity or at rest. They occur as a result of irregular heartbeat, drop in blood pressure or lack of oxygen to the brain. Episodes of dizziness, loss of feeling the ground unde feet, breathing hard, cold sweat with no loss of consciousness are called syncope. U case you experience something like this it is necessary to seek medical help at once!

Sweating

Sweating is usually in people suffering from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is connected to the irregular heartbeat that. This kind of sweating is usually in the form of so-called cold sweat, which is besides tachyarrhythmia associated with dizziness which indicates that the heart failed to pump enough blood to the brain.

hypertrophic cardiomyopathy2 Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Symptoms

The progress of disease in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, Maron and McKenna, Consensus, document of United States and Europe cardiologists, 2003rd.

If the above mentioned hypertrophic cardiomyopathy symptoms occur it is very important to contact your cardiologist, or at least your doctor. It is very important to be very firm with this because hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is very dangerous condition. In next articles we will not change our topic (cardiomyopathy), and will try educate and help all readers here. Dilated cardiomyopathy and restrictive cardiomyopathy are the next. Please continue to support us and if you have any requests or questions regarding cardiac health or anything that concerns health you can write to our email – staff@feelgoodtime.net.

Thank you and Merry Christmas,

FeelGoodTime.net Staff
Category: Cardiac Health  Tags: , , , , , , , ,  3 Comments
Sep
30

What is Intra Aortic Balloon Pump (IABP)

Intra Aortic Balloon Pump (IABP)

aortic balloon pump 150x150 What is Intra Aortic Balloon Pump (IABP)Intra aortic balloon pump (IABP) is a mechanical device designed to increase myocardial oxygen perfusion and cardiac output. IABP placement is not installed into the patient’s body, but it connects with the left and/or right ventricle or the aorta or pulmonary artery. By this it takes over the troubled hearts and can keep patients alive for thirty days. The pump is connected to a control console with which is monitored its operation and programming. The pump is a single, but a system of two consoles (one must be a backup) and the supporting technology is not a one-time and it allows the use of mechanical heart support, provided the procurement of new pumps for multiple patients.

There are more complex and expensive systems, which provide the mobility of patients on the ward, to the small, sophisticated pumps, that are implanted in the body and let the patient stay outside the hospital until transplantation. Ultra-modern generation is approaching the ideal of artificial heart. Many experts in this field believe that in 10 or 15 years Intra aortic balloon pumps and its electronic control will be perfected, and the final treatment will be in small mechanical dimensions, i.e. the transplants will become obsolete.

These are very expensive devices, often still in the experimental stage and there is no voice of their mass application even in the richest countries. Heart transplantation is currently the best method of treatment for patients with severe heart failure, i.e. those in whom life expectancy is from about a few weeks to a year.

After the transplantation, more than 80 percent of patients survive one year, nearly 70 percent five years, and about 50 percent -10 years. Some survive 20 years or more, and the development of medicine, i.e. the possibility of post-transplant follow-up and treatment, the chances of patients who received a new heart today are much better than those who received it 10 years ago. However, it is very important to say that Intra aortic balloon pump (IABP), such as cardiac pacemaker and ICD, is a true lifesaver!

Category: Cardiac Health  Tags: , , , , , , , , ,  3 Comments
Sep
25

Tachyarrhythmia

What is Tachyarrhythmia?

tachyarrhythmia 150x150 TachyarrhythmiaAs we promised in ICD article today we will explain what is tachyarrhythmia. In short definition: When a heart rate is greater than organism requires that is called tachyarrhythmia. During the tachyarrhythmia, heart rate is over 100 beats per minute and can be up to 400 beats per minute. Tachyarrhythmia symptoms that occur are shortness of breath, dizziness, sudden general weakness, palpitations in the chest, and losing of consciousness.

The primary causes of tachyarrhythmia are: Heart diseases such as hypertension (high blood pressure), atherosclerosis (coronary arteries), valvular heart disease, heart failure, heart muscle disease – cardiomyopathy, tumors, and infections; and the other causes like thyroid gland disease, certain lung diseases, imbalance of electrolytes, excessive use of alcohol and drugs. Of course like in our Get Rid Of Dandruff article and Hiccups article one of the most common causes of tachyarrhythmia is stress.

Tachyarrhythmia starts to develop when the definition of the cells (ectopic foci) in the heart muscle begin to fire impulses faster than normal.

Types of Tachyarrhythmia:

  • Prechamber tachyarrhythmias which occur in prechambers and are called Atrial Flutters (prechambers pump blood at a very rapid and proper frequency) and Atrial Fibrillation (flickering vestibule). In atrial fibrillation, blood is retained in prechambers so long that may lead to blood clots, which can lead to stroke.
  • Ventricular Tachyarrhythmia. There are two ventricular tachyarrhythmias that occur in the chambers of the heart which are called ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. Because the chambers are pumping blood in the whole organism, both listed tachyarrhythmias can lead to very rapid wear and lack of oxygen in the body, which is life threatening condition.
Category: Cardiac Health  Tags: , , ,  10 Comments
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