Primary cardiomyopathy occurs by itself (no other parts of the body are involved) due to a genetic defect or an external cause such as heart muscle inflammation (myocarditis) caused by viral or bacterial infections ; exposure to certain toxins such as heavy metals or excessive alcohol use.
How long can a child live with cardiomyopathy?
Morbidity and mortality of these diseases are high, and they are the most common cause of a heart transplant in children older than 1 year. Nearly 40% of children with a symptomatic cardiomyopathy either undergo heart transplantation or die within 2 years [2].
What is the main cause of cardiomyopathy?
Viral infections in the heart are a major cause of cardiomyopathy. In some cases, another disease or its treatment causes cardiomyopathy. This might include complex congenital (present at birth) heart disease, nutritional deficiencies, uncontrollable, fast heart rhythms, or certain types of chemotherapy for cancer.
What are 4 signs of cardiomyopathy?
- Shortness of breath or trouble breathing, especially with physical exertion.
- Fatigue.
- Swelling in the ankles, feet, legs, abdomen and veins in the neck.
- Dizziness.
- Lightheadedness.
- Fainting during physical activity.
- Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats)
Which is the most common cause of heart failure in children?
The most common cause of heart failure in children is a heart defect that is present at birth (congenital) . Other causes include: Heart muscle disease or enlargement of the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy). This is often an inherited cause.
Is cardiomyopathy a death sentence?
Normally, when people look up cardiomyopathy, they're terrified by talk of a five-year life expectancy. That's nonsense. As long as you're diagnosed early, it's definitely not a death sentence .
What are the 3 types of cardiomyopathy?
The main types of cardiomyopathy include dilated, hypertrophic and restrictive cardiomyopathy . Treatment — which might include medications, surgically implanted devices, heart surgery or, in severe cases, a heart transplant — depends on which type of cardiomyopathy you have and how serious it is.
Do babies with heart defects sleep more?
The heart must pump faster to meet the body's needs. The body's metabolism is also faster under these conditions. Your child needs extra calories to maintain weight and grow. Your child may become tired quickly since the body is working harder under the stress of the heart defect.
Can cardiomyopathy be reversed?
You can't reverse or cure cardiomyopathy , but you can control it with some of the following options: heart-healthy lifestyle changes. medications, including those used to treat high blood pressure, prevent water retention, keep the heart beating with a normal rhythm, prevent blood clots, and reduce inflammation.
Does cardiomyopathy get worse?
Expected Duration. Dilated cardiomyopathy sometimes can be reversed if it is caused by a treatable condition. Most cases of hypertrophic and restrictive cardiomyopathy are persistent. They can get worse over time .
What are the stages of cardiomyopathy?
- Heart Failure Stage A. Pre-heart failure, which means that you are at high risk of developing heart failure.
- Heart Failure Stage B. ...
- Heart Failure Stage C. ...
- Heart Failure Stage D.
What are the signs of an unhealthy heart?
- Chest pain, chest tightness, chest pressure and chest discomfort (angina)
- Shortness of breath.
- Pain, numbness, weakness or coldness in your legs or arms if the blood vessels in those parts of your body are narrowed.
- Pain in the neck, jaw, throat, upper abdomen or back.
Can you live a normal life with cardiomyopathy?
With proper care, many people can live long and full lives with a cardiomyopathy diagnosis . When recommending treatment, we always consider the least invasive approach first. Options range from lifestyle support and medications to implantable devices, procedures, and surgeries.
How do I know if my child has heart problems?
Heart problems in young children
Passing out during physical exercise or activity . Heart palpitations —a heartbeat that feels funny or fluttery to a child. Shortness of breath while playing or being active. Chest pain.
Can heart failure happen in kids?
It can occur in newborns, infants, toddlers and teenagers for other reasons. Since heart failure has different causes and outcomes, it's important to recognize how it's diagnosed, treated and even cured in younger children. There are two primary causes of heart failure in children and adolescents.
What are the 4 stages of congestive heart failure?
There are four stages of heart failure – stage A, B, C and D – which range from high risk of developing heart failure to advanced heart failure.
