Heart Muscle Problems (Cardiomyopathies)
Cardiomyopathies, or literally “heart muscle problems,” refer to any kind of deterioration of the heart muscle. Los Angeles cardiologist Dr. Arash Bereliani is an expert in treating cardiomyopathies, among many other cardiology conditions.
What are the symptoms of cardiomyopathies?
Problems with the heart muscle tend not to show symptoms in their early stages. As the condition worsens symptoms eventually appear; these may often resemble those of other forms of heart disease. Chest pains are common, as are shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, swelling of the ankles and bloating of the abdomen. Inflammation of the heart muscle doesn’t usually show symptoms, though in severe cases it is associated with arrhythmias, blood clots, and heart failure.
What are the different types of cardiomyopathies?
Dilated cardiomyopathy is when the heart muscle stretches, dilates and becomes thinner. It usually starts in the left ventricle, spreads to the right ventricle, and then to the atria. Once the chambers are dilated, it becomes much more difficult for the heart to pump blood, making the heart grow weaker. Without medical intervention, a dilated heart muscle can lead to heart failure. Heart valve problems, arrhythmias and blood clots are also a risk.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is an abnormal thickening of the heart muscle. In the case of an obstructive cardiomyopathy, the septum thickens and bulges into the left ventricle, making it harder to pump blood out of the heart and into the body. It can also lead to blood leaking backwards through the mitral valve (known as MR or mitral regurgitation). In the case of a non-obstructive cardiomyopathy, parts or all of the ventricles turn stiff and can’t hold as much blood. This alters the cells in the heart muscle, leading to arrhythmias.
Restrictive cardiomyopathy is a condition more common in seniors. This is diagnosed when ventricles near scar tissue become stiff and rigid. The stiff ventricles don’t fill with blood as well, causing the atria to enlarge. Eventually, blood flow slows, resulting in arrhythmia or heart failure.
Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD) is a rare condition usually occurring in teens and young adults. Muscle tissue in the right ventricle dies and is replaced with scar tissue, which interferes with the heart’s electrical signals, resulting in arrhythmias.
What am I at risk for?
Decreased blood flow puts you at risk for blood clots, for which Dr. Bereliani may prescribe blood thinners. A dilated heart muscle is also associated with arrhythmias, heart valve problems like mitral regurgitation and aortic regurgitation – the leakage and turbulent flow of blood back through the valves – and congestive heart failure.
How can cardiomyopathies be treated?
Depending on the kind of cardiomyopathy, treatment might require medication, a pacemaker, defibrillation, ventricular assist devices (LVADs), or ablation. Treatments may be combined and customized to ensure cardiovascular improvement.
How can I find out more about cardiomyopathies?
Call the Beverly Hills Institute for Preventive Medicine and Cardiology at 310-550-8000 or click here to make an appointment. Our friendly, helpful staff will be glad to schedule a consultation for you with Dr. Bereliani, and to answer any questions you might have. We are conveniently located in the heart of Beverly Hills, within easy driving distance for most residents of greater Los Angeles.