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Cardiomyopathy

Follow along on our year-long guide to Cardiomyopathy, an exploration of the latest recommendations and research on diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of this heart muscle disease that affects the heart's ability to pump. Each month will delve into another aspect, including warning signs, symptoms, and risks; treatment (medication, implanted devices, surgery, and heart transplantation); complications (heart failure, blood clots, heart valve problems, and even cardiac arrest and sudden death); prevention and risk reduction with lifestyle changes such as avoiding alcohol or cocaine, controlling weight, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise and enough sleep, and reducing stress; promising treatments in the pipeline; and lessons learned from unique case studies -- all of which has undergone expert review. Every installment will also include a downloadable, printable information resource for patients.

Ƶ MedicalToday

Cardiomyopathy: What Are the Signs, What Are the Symptoms?

–A brief guide through diseases of the myocardium
Illustration of the letter i over a hand over a heart with cardiomyopathy
Patient Handout
For Your Patients: Understanding Your Diagnosis of Cardiomyopathy

Diagnosing Cardiomyopathy: History, Examination, and Testing

–A brief guide through diagnostics
Illustration of a stethoscope with an electrocardiogram over a heart with cardiomyopathy
Patient Handout
For Your Patients: What to Expect When Your Doctor Suspects Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy: Epidemiology, Etiology, and Pathophysiology

–A brief guide through the wide range of cardiomyopathies
Illustration of different forms of cardiomyopathy over a heart
Patient Handout
For Your Patients: How to Prepare for Your Cardiomyopathy Appointment

Case Study: What Made This Cardiomyopathy Patient's Myocardial Bridge Worsen After PTSMA Treatment?

–Indications for percutaneous transluminal septal myocardial ablation need to be strictly controlled, these authors say
Illustration of a written case study over a heart with cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy: Cascade Screening for Families

–Who to test for genetic risk or early-stage disease and why
Illustration of a strand of DNA and microscope over a heart with cardiomyopathy
Patient Handout
For Your Patients: Should My Family Be Checked for Cardiomyopathy Too?

Cardiomyopathy: Outside of the Office

–Lifestyle, wearables, and home monitoring
Illustration of an electrocardiogram over a heart, fruits, and medication bottle with pills over a heart with cardiomyopathy
Patient Handout
For Your Patients: Maximizing Your Wellness With Cardiomyopathy

Deciding on Implantable Cardiac Devices for Cardiomyopathy

–What to weigh on ICD, pacing, and other devices
Illustration of an electrical jolt with an electrocardiogram over a heart in a circle over a heart with cardiomyopathy
Patient Handout
For Your Patients: Coping With a Difficult Diagnosis

Case Study: Middle-Aged Man Develops Wide Complex Tachycardia Due to Cardiac Sarcoidosis

–Epsilon waves and cardiac FDG PET scans provided clues to making the diagnosis
Illustration of a written case study over a heart with cardiomyopathy

What to Know About Medical Therapy for Cardiomyopathy

–Along with the "four pillars" for heart failure, specific considerations shape care across cardiomyopathies
Illustration of a line & a circle containing syringe, IV bag & medication bottle with pills over a heart with cardiomyopathy
Patient Handout
For Your Cardiomyopathy Patients: Making the Most of Medication Therapy

Inpatient Management of Cardiomyopathy

–While tackling congestion is key, the admission is an opportunity to redirect the clinical course
Illustration of a hospital bed, IV, and a red medical plus icon in a circle over a heart with cardiomyopathy
Patient Handout
For Your Cardiomyopathy Patients: Knowing When to Seek Medical Care

Addressing Comorbidities in Cardiomyopathy

–Most patients have them, and strategies aren't always the same as in other settings
Illustration of a blood pressure pump, lightening bolt over heart & exclamation point in a triangle in a circle over a heart
Patient Handout
For Your Patients: Understanding Cardiomyopathy Progression

Managing Advanced Cardiomyopathy

–When to refer, how to decide on advanced therapies, and why to consider palliative care early
Illustration of electrical jolts and an exclamation point in a triangle in a circle over a heart with cardiomyopathy
Patient Handout
For Your Patients: Planning Ahead With End-Stage Cardiomyopathy