Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy Overview

Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle. Left untreated, conditions in this broad category can cause congestive heart failure, advanced heart failure, blood clots, heart murmurs or arrhythmia.

Your expert heart care team at Wellstar will work with you to create a customized treatment plan based on personal factors and your type of cardiomyopathy. The goal of cardiomyopathy treatment is to decrease existing symptoms and reduce the risk of future complications.

Cardiomyopathy types we treat

Dilated cardiomyopathy (weakened or enlarged heart)
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (abnormal growth or thickening of heart muscle)
Restrictive cardiomyopathy (heart muscle rigidity) such as cardiac amyloidosis and Fabry disease

Excellent cardiomyopathy care

As a member of the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association (HCMA), Wellstar is one of the leading locations offering comprehensive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) care in the Southeast. Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center was also the first in Georgia to receive the Comprehensive Cardiac Care Center certification—the premier cardiovascular award from The Joint Commission and the American Heart Association.

Symptoms

While you may not exhibit symptoms early on, people with cardiomyopathy can experience:

Fatigue
Faintness
Rapid or irregular heartbeat
Shortness of breath after minimal activity or from lying down
Swelling of the abdomen
Swelling of feet and ankles
Weakness

It’s important to schedule an appointment with a cardiologist if you are experiencing any of these symptoms to keep your condition from worsening.

Risk factors

People of all ages can have cardiomyopathy, although risk can increase with pre-existing conditions such as:

A family history of cardiomyopathy, congestive heart failure or cardiac arrest
Coronary artery disease
Diabetes and other metabolic diseases or severe obesity
Diseases that damage the heart
High blood pressure
Long-term, excessive alcohol use

Expert heart care

People who choose Wellstar to manage their heart conditions can access some of the most advanced treatments and clinical trials. We offer many of the latest surgical and non-surgical techniques. Learn more about the high level of heart care at Wellstar.

Cardiomyopathy Prevention

In most cases, you cannot prevent cardiomyopathy. You can take steps to lower your risks that may lead to or worsen the symptoms. Inform your healthcare provider if you have a family history of cardiomyopathy, congestive heart failure or cardiac arrest.

There are several ways you can modify your lifestyle to reduce your risk for cardiomyopathy symptoms, including:

Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol excessively
Eat healthy foods and reduce sodium intake
Exercise as recommended by your physician
Maintain a healthy weight
Monitor risk factors such as high blood pressure and diabetes

Cardiomyopathy Diagnosis

Initial screening and blood tests

Diagnosis begins with blood tests and screenings requested by your primary care physician or cardiologist. These are based on your family history, medical history and existing symptoms. Further cardiac diagnostics and imaging may be needed if you have abnormal results.

Advanced cardiac diagnostics & imaging

While cardiologists may perform some tests in their office, they may refer you for more advanced cardiac imaging. We use the latest technology to make and analyze sophisticated images of the heart, including:

Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Echocardiogram
Cardiac stress tests and stress tests with imaging
Cardiac computerized tomography (CT) scan
Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Nuclear imaging/SPECT study
Coronary catheterization and biopsy

Each test—performed by a skilled specialist—will help your cardiologist get a clearer picture of your condition. From there, they’ll refer you to a cardiomyopathy specialist if needed.

Genetic counseling

Your physician may also refer you for a genetic risk assessment for hereditary heart disease. Genetic counseling can help determine a person’s risk of developing inherited heart disease, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy Treatment

The goals of your cardiomyopathy treatment are to manage your symptoms, prevent the conditioning from worsening and reduce your risks of further complications. Treatment methods—medications, surgery, pacemakers and, in the most severe of cases, heart transplants—vary greatly depending on the type of cardiomyopathy you have.

What to expect at your appointment

Your treatment will begin with a referral from your doctor to a cardiomyopathy specialist, who will carefully review all known information about your condition and related medical history. Then we’ll reach out to you directly to schedule an appointment.

We’ll discuss your condition at your visit and present a customized treatment plan based on your unique factors. It may consist of medications, surgery or a combination depending on your type of cardiomyopathy and other personal considerations.

Because people with cardiomyopathy are at greater risk for lethal arrhythmias and other severe heart conditions, further treatments may be recommended if medication alone does not fully address your condition, including:

Septal ablation or radiofrequency ablation by an interventional cardiologist
Surgically implanted devices (ICD, VAD, pacemaker) by an electrophysiologist
Surgery, including a septal myectomy by a cardiovascular surgeon

Dilated cardiomyopathy treatment

If you’re diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy—the most common type—your treatment plan may include a wide range of medications, ablation therapy or surgery.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy treatment

As a member of the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association (HCMA), Wellstar is one of the leading locations offering comprehensive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy care in the Southeast.

Restrictive cardiomyopathy treatment

Restrictive cardiomyopathy treatment plans can include medications paired with lifestyle changes. Medicines may include diuretics, ACE inhibitors, blood thinners, and medication that helps prevent abnormal heart rhythms. Due to swelling associated with restrictive cardiomyopathy, you may need to modify your diet and reduce your salt intake. In advanced cases, surgery may be required.

Comprehensive cardiac care

At Wellstar—regardless of your diagnosis—we provide comprehensive services across our heart specialists’ offices, hospitals and locations for cardiac diagnostics and rehabilitation.

Wellstar offers world-class cardiac rehabilitation. Our team works together to help people learn lifelong, heart-healthy behaviors and lower their risk for future heart issues. We support you in reaching your optimum recovery after a cardiac event or procedure.

Working together, you’ll receive comprehensive treatment from a dedicated team of physicians, nurses, rehabilitation specialists, genetic counselors and staff who all place your care as their top priority.

Ongoing Care for Cardiomyopathy

Wellstar provides access to world-class, community-based heart experts and treatments across Georgia. With access to the latest technology and evidence-based treatments, our team is here to help you:

Provide early and appropriate care for acute illness to prevent its progression
Offer advice and support to prevent illness and injuries
Rehabilitate from major surgery and heart events
Create and maintain a healthy lifestyle

Once you go home

Should your treatment plan require a stay at a Wellstar hospital for any time, ongoing care will continue at home. Although cardiomyopathy is a chronic condition, treatment often improves symptoms and quality of life. As a result, pay close attention to your body and your post-treatment regimen created by your heart care team. Contact us with any questions or if any changes occur.

Another component of your ongoing care at home will include maintaining a healthy diet and adding exercise to your routine.

Preparing for your next appointment

Before your next visit with your heart specialist, track your medications, weight and blood pressure. You’ll also want to write down any questions so you don’t forget anything during your next appointment.

Locations

Cardiomyopathy treatment

Wellstar has over 20 cardiology locations offering advanced treatments for cardiovascular diseases, including cardiomyopathy. Find a general cardiologist near you.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy specialty care

Wellstar's hypertrophic cardiomyopathy specialists see patients at select locations in: