Search Encyclopedia:    
List of Topics Print This Page
 

Cardiomyopathy
Treatment:

When possible, the cause of cardiomyopathy is treated. Medicines and lifestyle changes are often needed to treat the symptoms of heart failure, angina, and abnormal heart rhythms.

Different procedures or surgeries may also be used:

  • A defibrillator sends an electrical pulse to stop life-threatening abnormal heart rhythms.
  • A pacemaker treats a slow heart rate or helps both sides of your heart beat at the same time.
  • Coronary artery bypass (CABG) surgery or angioplasty can improve blood flow to the damaged or weakened heart muscle.
  • Heart transplant is used when all other treatments have failed.

Recently, implantable artificial heart pumps have been developed. However, very few patients are able to have this advanced treatment.

References:

Hare JM. The dilated, restrictive, and infiltrative cardiomyopathies. In: Bonow RO, Mann DL, Zipes DP, Libby P, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 68.

Wexler RK, Elton T, Pleister A, Feldman D. Cardiomyopathy: An overview. Am Fam Physician. 2009;79:778-784.
Review Date: 7/11/2012
Reviewed By: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc. Michael A. Chen, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington Medical School, Seattle, Washington.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

adam.com
   View History
  Cardiomyopathy

   
   

 

About UPHS   Contact Us   Site Map   Privacy Statement   Legal Disclaimer   Terms of Use

The University of Pennsylvania Health System, Philadelphia, PA 1-800-789-PENN © 2013, The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania