Cardiomyopathy

Definition/Discussion

Cardiomyopathy is a disease that affects the heart muscle. During the course of the disease the heart muscle becomes inflamed and doesn't function properly.

Cardiomyopathy falls into two categories; primary and secondary.

Primary cardiomyopathy may not have a specific, easily identifiable cause.

Secondary cardiomyopathy is due to a specific cause such as high blood pressure, heart valve disease, artery diseases or a congenital heart disease.

There are three forms of cardiomyopathy:

Signs and Symptoms

During the early stages of the disease there may be no noticeable signs or symptoms. However, as the condition advances symptoms may appear. The following are some of the more common signs and symptoms of cardiomyopathy:

Breathlessness with exercise or at rest
Swelling of the legs, ankles and feet
Bloating of the abdomen
Fatigue
Irregular heartbeats that feel rapid, pounding or fluttering
Dizziness, lightheadedness and fainting

If you have any of the above symptoms please see your physician.

Treatments

Treatments of cardiomyopathy are designed to manage any conditions that cause the cardiomyopathy, control the symptoms, stop the progression of the disease and reduce complications.

Treatments include:

Medication
Surgery
Non-surgical procedures
Lifestyle changes

Resources

Cardiomyopathy is a serious disease that can cause death and disability. The following website has excellent links to answer any additional questions you may have:

http://organizedwisdom.com/Cardiomyopathy

If you or someone you love has cardiomyopathy or any disabling condition please contact a lawyer at LaVan and Neidenberg today. Your condition may qualify you for long-term, veterans' or Social Security disability.

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