How To Effectively Treat Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy is a group of diseases that affect the heart and can cause serious health problems. Typically, the muscle in the heart becomes enlarged and thickened in a way, making heart function challenging. In some instances, it can trigger heart attacks and other life-threatening problems. This is why it is so critical to understand the many treatments for cardiomyopathy. Understanding the major treatments can make it easier for patients to make an informed decision regarding how they wish to proceed. It provides patients with the knowledge to understand what the doctors believe is the best choice and understand the goals of treatment more fully.
Heart Healthy Lifestyle
Cardiomyopathy is often triggered when you live a lifestyle that is not healthy for your heart. For instance, obese individuals are more likely to experience this health problem. Those who engage in other unhealthy activities, such as smoking, are also seriously putting themselves at risk for developing cardiomyopathy or worsening the symptoms of an already-existent condition.
As a result, the first step in managing cardiomyopathy is to change your lifestyle to support heart health. For example, quit smoking, stop drinking, exercise regularly, and eat foods that increase good cholesterol while cutting out what increases unhealthy cholesterol. These activities are all very simple and should be easy for most individuals to commit to when managing cardiomyopathy. Talk to your doctor about which activities are right for your lifestyle. For example, they may find that your cardiomyopathy is too strong for regular exercise. Regular checkups at least once every three to four months can ensure you remain healthy and your cardiomyopathy symptoms are being adequately managed.
Heart Medication
While changing your lifestyle may help manage minor symptoms of cardiomyopathy, it may not reverse the symptoms. Thankfully, there are many types of medications available that can help, including angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. These medications are designed to widen a person's blood vessels to increase their blood flow. They also block the release of angiotensin, which is a chemical hormone that can further damage the heart and cause its muscles to get even thicker than this disease can thicken them.
Other medications used for treatment include beta-blockers and diuretics. The first type is designed to calm your heart and decrease its muscular strain. Diuretics manage fluid buildup and reduce the swelling in the heart. Keep in mind these medications are intended to treat the symptoms of cardiomyopathy, but not the disease itself.
