Ischemic Cardiomyopathy

There are various types of Cardiomyopathy. Cardiomyopathy is when the heart's tissues or muscles become diseased and don't function properly. Heart disease is a huge health problem affecting both rich and poor nations.

Ischemic cardiomyopathy is a weakness in the muscle of the heart. This is due to inadequate oxygen delivery to the myocardium with coronary artery disease being the most common cause.

Anemia and sleep apnea are relatively common conditions that can contribute to ischemic myocardium. Hyperthyroidism can cause a 'relative' ischemia secondary to high output heart failure. Hyperthyroidism is the medical term used to describe the signs and symptoms associated with an over production of thyroid hormone.

Individuals with ischemic cardiomyopathy typically have a history of heart attacks (myocardial infarction). Longstanding ischemia can cause enough damage to the hearts muscles and tissues with out other health conditions contributing. A Heart Attack is when an area of the heart muscle does not get enough blood, chest pain or discomfort, called angina develops.

In a typical presentation, the area of the heart affected by a myocardial infarction will initially become dead tissue, and will then be replaced by scar tissue, becoming fibrotic. Fibrosis is the formation or development of excess fibrous connective tissue in an organ.

This fibrotic tissue is akinetic, meaning it is no longer muscle and cannot contribute to the heart's function as a pump. If the akinetic region of the heart is substantial (large) enough, then the affected side of the heart (such as the left or right side) will go into heart failure. This failure is the functional result of an ischemic cardiomyopathy.

Heart Failure is when your heart muscle doesn't pump as much blood as the body needs. Failure doesn't mean that the heart has stopped pumping but that it is failing to pump as effectively as it should.

Recommended Reading:

1. Ischemic Heart Disease and the Western World - Ischemic heart disease is the proper medical term for reduced blood flow to the heart – it is ultimately caused...
2. What is a Myocardial Infarction? - Myocardial infarction (MI) means that part of the heart muscle suddenly loses its blood supply. Without immediate treatment, this can...
3. What is Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery? - This is a type of heart surgery. It's sometimes called CABG ("cabbage"). The surgery reroutes, or "bypasses," blood around clogged...
4. What is Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery? - This is a type of heart surgery. It's sometimes called CABG ("cabbage"). The surgery reroutes, or "bypasses," blood around clogged...