How Do You Get Tested For Cardiomyopathy?

Cardiomyopathy is a term that describes the illness of heart muscle, where it becomes hard and causes the heart to function harder to pump blood to the rest of the body. Cardiomyopathy leads to a sudden cardiac arrest, coronary artery diseases, and heart failure.

The important types of cardiomyopathy are dilated, restrictive, and hypertrophic. In many situations, it is feasible for an individual to live a healthy life when one follows the treatment as prescribed by the doctor. Obtaining an appropriate cure depends on several factors, and therefore, it becomes essential for the specialist to perform a thorough diagnosis to receive insight into the illness and its present condition. The result obtained will be helpful in proceeding with the needed treatment.

If an individual experience one or more of the following symptoms described below, one could seek an appointment with the doctor to undergo several tests that will confirm the presence of cardiomyopathy. The symptoms include:

• Breathlessness
• Exhaustion
• Shortness of breath
• Swelling of the abdomen, ankles, legs, and feet
• Bloating in the abdomen
• Coughing when lying down
• Fatigue
• Increased palpitations
• Chest discomfort
• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness
• Fainting

In most of the incidents, the reason for the occurrence of cardiomyopathy is hereditary. It means that the individual acquired it from parents or a near family member is suffering from the same condition. The abnormal gene present in any of the parents leads to the growth of the cardiomyopathy. On many occasions, one may or may not notice the presence, as cardiomyopathy continues to grow without any symptoms. However, if an individual senses or notices the above signs, then it is advisable to reach out to a specialist who will perform a test to confirm the presence of cardiomyopathy, the type, and the severity.

To confirm the presence of cardiomyopathy, a doctor performs a physical examination, where one monitors the heart and lungs, takes a personal test, and asks for family records. If there is a doubt about the presence of the illness, the doctor will ask the individual to undergo the following tests:

• Chest X-ray
• Echocardiogram
• Electrocardiogram
• Treadmill stress test
• Cardiac Catheterization
• Cardiac MRI
• Cardiac CT scan
• Blood tests
• Genetic testing

Depending on the age, gender, ethnicity, and the symptoms explained by the individual, the doctor chooses one or more of the examinations above to confirm the presence and the severity. The results obtained from the tests will be helpful in providing appropriate treatment to the person.

The primary aim of treating cardiomyopathy includes reducing the symptoms and treating underlying conditions that are responsible or aggravating the situation. The management of the symptoms changes from one to another given that individuals experience the state at different levels. Regardless of the severity and the status, the following are the common methods through which a specialist helps in reducing the symptoms of cardiomyopathy:

Medicines – Use of medicines is helpful in lowering the rate at which the heart beats to pump the blood. Additionally, they are useful in improving blood flow, treat high blood pressure, remove excess sodium and fluid content from the body, and prevent the formation of blood clots.

Surgical Methods – Surgical methods include placement of numerous devices that help the heart to beat at a normal rate. The following are the essential devices that play a pivotal role in reliving the symptoms of cardiomyopathy – Implantable cardioverter defibrillator, Ventricular assist device, and Pacemaker.

The treatment varies from one person to another, and the doctor considers several factors to ensure complete recovery with fewer side effects.

Also Read:

• Cardiomyopathy – Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment
• Restrictive Cardiomyopathy: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment
• Causes of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy & Its Treatment
• Dilated Cardiomyopathy: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention, Prognosis
• What is the Life Expectancy Of A Woman Who Has Cardiomyopathy?
• How Is Dilated Cardiomyopathy Treated?
• Can Exercise Help Cardiomyopathy?