Cardiomyopathies

Cardiomyopathies are a group of inherited disorders that cause the heart muscle to enlarge, making it difficult for the heart to function effectively. There are five main types of myopathies:

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) whereby the heart muscle becomes thickened
Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) which primarily affects the right side of the heart
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) whereby the heart dilates
Left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC) affecting primarily the left side of the heart
Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) whereby the heart cannot relax properly between heartbeats

Cardiomyopathies make it harder for the heart to deliver blood around the body and can eventually lead to heart failure. It is therefore important that you are thoroughly examined and appropriately managed by the best heart doctor in Long Island.

The early stages of cardiomyopathies are not usually associated with any symptoms. However as the condition progresses, individuals may experience some of the following signs and symptoms:

Breathlessness on exertion, progressing to breathlessness even at rest as the condition worsens
Fatigue
Dizziness, lightheadedness and fainting
Swelling in the ankles, feet and legs
Buildup of fluid in the abdomen causing bloating
Irregular heartbeat and/or palpitations

While the exact cause of cardiomyopathies is not known, vascular doctors in Long Island link a number of factors to the increased risk for these disorders. These include:

Excessive consumption of alcohol
Smoking
Use of illicit drugs
Untreated high blood pressure
Pregnancy
Diabetes
Obesity
Thyroid disorders
Family history

Cardiomyopathies can lead to a host of complications such as heart failure, blood clots, problems with the function of the heart valves, cardiac arrest and sudden death. It is useful to note that cardiomyopathies can be successfully treated especially when detected in the early stages. Your Long Island cardiologist may include lifestyle changes, certain medications and/or various procedures as part of your treatment plan.

Frequently Asked Questions – Cardiomyopathies West Babylon

How many types of Cardiomyopathies are there?

There are a number of disorders that cause the heart muscle to become enlarged which makes it difficult for the heart to function. These disorders are all categorized as cardiomyopathies. There are several different types of cardiomyopathies including hypertrophic, dilated, and restrictive cardiomyopathies. Some symptoms of cardiomyopathy are breathlessness, fatigue, dizziness, and heart palpatations. If you are concerned about cardiomyopathy, schedule a consultation with our leading cardiologists at our office in West Babylon. We will be happy to examine you and answer all the questions you have about cardiomyopathy and your general cardiac health.

How can Cardiomyopathy be detected?

In order to be sure about the detection of cardiomyopathies West Babylon cardiologists at Rybstein Medical will need to evaluate your heart health. We will recommend the tests that we think are right for you when you come in for your initial consultation. After discussing your medical history with you as well as any symptoms you may have been having, our cardiology experts will help to come up with a plan for testing and treatment that will put your cardiac health in a better position.

Are there any procedures that can be done to intervene with Cardiomyopathy?

Yes, there are a variety of medications, procedures, and treatment plans that can help to alleviate the adverse affects of cardiomyopathy. In order to make an appropriate cardiac health plan for you specifically, our doctors need to perform a comprehensive cardiac evaluation. This may include several visits to our office in West Babylon for testing and/or procedures. To find out if you have any cardiomyopathies, or to learn more about managing your cardiac health, contact our office to set up an appointment.

What is the root cause of Cardiomyopathy?

While many risk factors are known, there is no one exact cause for cardiomyopathy in individuals. We know that excessive drinking, smoking, drug use, obesity, and other factors like family history all contribute to the risk for cardiomyopathy. When you visit our office, our cardiologists will discuss with you the best ways to mitigate your risks for cardiomyopathy, as well as advise you on all of the right tests to get to make sure that your heart is functioning properly. Call us today to set up your initial consultation and learn more about cardiomyopathy.

When I look for a place to get tested for Cardiomyopathy West Babylon has several providers, why should I choose Rybstein Medical?

Making sure you do not have cardiomyopathy is not something that you want to take lightly. When you choose us, you are making a choice to trust highly experienced cardiologists with your heart’s health. At Rybstein Medical we are experts in all matters pertaining to preventative cardiology and your heart’s general health. We are completely equipped at our state of the art facility in West Babylon to give you a comprehensive heart evaluation, and provide you with a heart health plan. Contact us as soon as possible to schedule your appointment with our experienced cardiologists in West Babylon.