Ischemic cardiomyopathy Cardiac ischemia is the most common form of cardiomyopathy.

It occurs when an artery leading to your heart becomes narrowed or blocked for a short time and oxygen-rich blood cannot reach your heart. Ischemic cardiomyopathy is the loss or weakening of heart muscle tissue caused by ischemia (which causes chest pain called angina) or silent ischemia (which causes no pain). The ischemia usually results from coronary artery disease and heart attacks.

Symptoms

Some people have no signs or symptoms. The most common symptoms that do occur include:

Heart palpitations Fainting Light-headedness Breathlessness upon exertion (caused by fluid building up in the lungs) Arrhythmias Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy may cause dizziness, fainting, heart murmurs and chest pain Restrictive cardiomyopathy can cause swelling of the hands and feet

How is cardiomyopathy treated?

Your doctor may treat your cardiomyopathy by suggesting lifestyle changes, medications or surgery. Lifestyle

If properly treated and controlled, many people with cardiomyopathy require very few changes to their normal lifestyle. However, a diagnosis of cardiomyopathy may require the patient to make some adjustments to their lifestyle. For instance, certain sports or activities may be limited or prohibited. Your doctor could also advise you about fluid and salt intake restriction. It is important for the patient to discuss this matter with their cardiologist to determine how best to live a healthy, active lifestyle while minimizing the risk of further complications.

Medications

If the underlying cause of cardiomyopathy is known, it must be treated immediately with medications including: ACE inhibitors Beta-blockers Calcium channel blockers

Surgery

Surgery may be an option depending on what type of cardiomyopathy you have. Talk to your doctor to find out more about whether surgery can improve your condition. For a small percentage of patients with very advanced cardiomyopathy, a heart transplant may be necessary.