Cardiomyopathy

As you get older, you can attribute some of the ways you feel to the normal aging process. However, if you feel tired, have trouble breathing, or see swelling in your legs, feet, ankles, belly, or neck veins, you may have a cardiovascular condition known as cardiomyopathy.

Have you noticed signs of cardiomyopathy? A heart doctor at Dignity Health can provide a diagnosis and offer personalized treatment options. Find a Doctor for comprehensive care with humankindness for cardiomyopathy in Merced, California.

 

Recognizing cardiomyopathy symptoms at Dignity Health

During the early stages of cardiomyopathy, you may not have any symptoms. If you experience minor health issues, such as coughing when you lay down, dizziness, or lightheadedness, your cardiovascular condition may be progressing. 

Get emergency care or dial 911 if your symptoms increase and cause pain in your chest, fainting, or difficulty breathing. 

Your doctor will examine your cardiomyopathy symptoms in order to develop your personalized treatment plan. The three main types of cardiomyopathy are: 

  • Dilated cardiomyopathy, the most common type, describes enlarged or dilated ventricles that cause your heart to not pump blood properly.
  • Restrictive cardiomyopathy indicates your ventricles are rigid and stiff.
  • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy means thickening of your heart walls.

 

Diagnosing & treating cardiomyopathy

To properly diagnose the type of cardiomyopathy, your Dignity Health cardiovascular team will gather information to see if your symptoms involve your heart or indicate a bigger health problem. Your health history will be carefully reviewed and your doctor may order the following tests:

  • Blood tests to rule out any other conditions and get more information on your overall health
  • Chest X-ray to see your heart size and if there is fluid in your lungs
  • Cardiac catheterization to view your coronary arteries and heart
  • Stress tests to check how much work your heart can handle
  • EKG to measure your heart rate and rhythm
  • Echocardiogram to take pictures of your heart valves and function 

Cardiomyopathy treatment can range from prescription medication to ways you can live a healthier lifestyle. If your case of cardiomyopathy is more severe, other medical procedures or heart treatments can help.

Dignity Health’s trusted cardiologists can help you manage cardiomyopathy in Merced, CA.

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At risk for heart disease?

Heart disease comes in many forms and can affect people of any age, gender, or ethnicity. In fact, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. The more you can learn about your heart health, the better. Knowledge is truly powerful medicine that helps you understand your risks and take action to lessen your potential for problems. It can lead to early detection, and most importantly, to early treatment and better outcomes.

Take this quick assessment to:

  • Understand symptoms, causes, and types of heart disease
  • Determine your risk factors for developing heart disease
  • Learn which lifestyle factors can increase or decrease your risk
Take the assessment