How does cardiomyopathy affect the heart muscle?

How does cardiomyopathy affect the heart muscle?

Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle, causing the heart muscle to become enlarged, thick or rigid. In rare cases, the muscle tissue in the heart is replaced with scar tissue. As cardiomyopathy worsens, the heart becomes weaker.

What happens if heart muscles are weak?

The most common form, dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), occurs when your heart muscle is too weak to pump blood efficiently. The muscles stretch and become thinner. This allows the chambers of your heart to expand. This is also known as enlarged heart.

What causes weak heart muscles?

Most often, a weakened heart muscle is caused by coronary artery disease or heart attack, but faulty heart valves, long-standing high blood pressure, and genetic disease may also be to blame. And sometimes, more than one condition may play a role in your weakening heart.

Can a weak heart muscle be repaired?

But the heart does have some ability to make new muscle and possibly repair itself. The rate of regeneration is so slow, though, that it can’t fix the kind of damage caused by a heart attack. That’s why the rapid healing that follows a heart attack creates scar tissue in place of working muscle tissue.

How long can you live with a weak heart muscle?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around one-half of all people diagnosed with congestive heart failure will survive beyond five years.

How do you fix a weak heart muscle?

7 powerful ways you can strengthen your heart

1. Get moving. Your heart is a muscle and, as with any muscle, exercise is what strengthens it.
2. Quit smoking. Quitting smoking is tough.
3. Lose weight. Losing weight is more than just diet and exercise.
4. Eat heart-healthy foods.
5. Don’t forget the chocolate.
6. Don’t overeat.
7. Don’t stress.

How long can you live with cardiomyopathy?

Life expectancy with congestive heart failure varies depending on the severity of the condition, genetics, age, and other factors. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around one-half of all people diagnosed with congestive heart failure will survive beyond five years.

How do you strengthen a weak heart muscle?

Does a pacemaker help a weak heart?

A pacemaker for heart failure, also called cardiac resynchronization therapy or CRT, can help you feel better so you can do your daily activities. A pacemaker can slow down the progression of heart failure. It may help keep you out of the hospital and help you live longer.

How serious is cardiomyopathy?

Cardiomyopathy is a serious condition. Without treatment, it can be life-threatening. Cardiomyopathy is also a progressive condition, meaning it usually worsens over time. Cardiomyopathy treatment can improve your outlook.