Description of the Disease
Ischemic cardiomyopathy is a form of chronic ischemic heart disease. This condition is characterized by significant enlargement of the heart chambers and reduced cardiac function.
Learn more about ischemic heart diseaseCauses of the Disease
The basis of ischemic cardiomyopathy is inadequate myocardial nutrition due to insufficient oxygen supply as a result of impaired blood flow through the heart arteries.
When diagnosing, the factor of myocardial ischemia in the development of the pathology is clearly indicated: significant narrowing of the heart vessels, a history of myocardial infarction, coronary artery bypass surgery, or coronary artery stenting.
Thus, the heart muscle switches to an energy-saving mode, deliberately reducing the need for nutrition and, consequently, reducing the force of contractions.
Symptoms of the Disease
The main manifestations, in addition to the typical angina pectoris of IHD (discomfort in the chest), are shortness of breath, worsening over time, cough unrelated to colds, weakness with usual physical exertion, swelling of the ankles and lower legs, a feeling of heaviness or pulling pain in the right hypochondrium due to liver enlargement due to congestion, and heart rhythm disturbances.
The appearance of the above sensations is a reason to consult a cardiologist and undergo examination.
Diagnostics of the Disease
When the above complaints appear, it is necessary to consult a cardiologist as soon as possible, the conversation with whom will help to clarify your complaints, the conditions of their occurrence, and also determine the risk factors, some of which can be eliminated or reduced by taking medications or changing lifestyle.
With X-ray of the chest, an increase in the size of the heart can be suspected.
ECG allows to identify signs of a past myocardial infarction, determine signs of myocardial ischemia and hypertrophy.
A "positive" stress test is an indication for coronary angiography. Coronary angiography allows to detect the substrate of the disease - an atherosclerotic plaque that disrupts myocardial nutrition.
Learn more about coronary angiographyTreatment of the Disease
When the above complaints appear, it is necessary to consult a cardiologist as soon as possible, the conversation with whom will help to clarify your complaints, the conditions of their occurrence, and also determine the risk factors, some of which can be eliminated or reduced by taking medications or changing lifestyle.
With X-ray of the chest, an increase in the size of the heart can be suspected.
ECG allows to identify signs of a past myocardial infarction, determine signs of myocardial ischemia and hypertrophy.
A "positive" stress test is an indication for coronary angiography. Coronary angiography allows to detect the substrate of the disease - an atherosclerotic plaque that disrupts myocardial nutrition.
Prognosis of Treatment
In the natural course of the disease, the prognosis is bleak: after the onset of symptoms, the disease rapidly progresses, often leading to disability and a high mortality rate.
Thus, timely intervention by cardiologists, high-quality diagnostics, a well-structured treatment program, timely surgical intervention if necessary, can significantly prolong life and eliminate symptoms.