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Cardiomyopathy

Follow along on our year-long guide to Cardiomyopathy, an exploration of the latest recommendations and research on diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of this heart muscle disease that affects the heart's ability to pump. Each month will delve into another aspect, including warning signs, symptoms, and risks; treatment (medication, implanted devices, surgery, and heart transplantation); complications (heart failure, blood clots, heart valve problems, and even cardiac arrest and sudden death); prevention and risk reduction with lifestyle changes such as avoiding alcohol or cocaine, controlling weight, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise and enough sleep, and reducing stress; promising treatments in the pipeline; and lessons learned from unique case studies -- all of which has undergone expert review. Every installment will also include a downloadable, printable information resource for patients.

MedicalToday

Case Study: What Made This Cardiomyopathy Patient's Myocardial Bridge Worsen After PTSMA Treatment?

–Indications for percutaneous transluminal septal myocardial ablation need to be strictly controlled, these authors say

Case Study: Middle-Aged Man Develops Wide Complex Tachycardia Due to Cardiac Sarcoidosis

–Epsilon waves and cardiac FDG PET scans provided clues to making the diagnosis

What to Know About Medical Therapy for Cardiomyopathy

–Along with the "four pillars" for heart failure, specific considerations shape care across cardiomyopathies

Inpatient Management of Cardiomyopathy

–While tackling congestion is key, the admission is an opportunity to redirect the clinical course

Addressing Comorbidities in Cardiomyopathy

–Most patients have them, and strategies aren't always the same as in other settings

Managing Advanced Cardiomyopathy

–When to refer, how to decide on advanced therapies, and why to consider palliative care early