What Causes Cardiomyopathy?

Thyroid Disease

Thyroid disease, particularly hyperthyroidism, can negatively affect heart functions, which can lead to heart failure and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. One resource mentions that acquired hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is quite rare and is usually associated with an existing health condition such as thyroid disease. Individuals who possess this type of cardiomyopathy typically display symptoms of both hyperthyroidism as well as heart disease. Common symptoms of cardiomyopathy caused by thyroid disorders often include shortness of breath, heart palpitations, dizziness, chest pains, muscle weakness, fatigue, and excessive sweating. Treatment of this type of cardiomyopathy includes treatments for both heart disease and hyperthyroidism.

Next, reveal how high blood pressure is related to cardiomyopathy.

High Blood Pressure

Unchecked high blood pressure, or hypertension, can lead to what is known as hypertensive heart disease, or HHD. Hypertensive heart disease is the number one cause of death associated with high blood pressure because it can encourage the development of several serious heart issues including ischemic heart disease, heart failure, left ventricular hypertrophy, and cardiomyopathy. In all of these cases, the heart becomes less elastic and weakened. This often results in inefficient blood flow and increased pressure in the heart. The heart enlarges to accommodate excess blood flow, which weakens the muscles surrounding the heart. To effectively treat cardiomyopathy caused by hypertension, treatments for both conditions will be required.

Keep reading to uncover how drugs and alcohol can cause cardiomyopathy.