Cardiomyopathy
Diagnosing and Treating Cardiomyopathy in Children
What is Cardiomyopathy?
Cardiomyopathy is a heart disease that affects how well the heart muscle can pump blood. It can cause children to get very sick and even lead to heart failure if not treated properly.
To diagnose cardiomyopathy, doctors look at family history and do tests like ultrasounds, echocardiograms, and blood tests. Treatment may involve medications and lifestyle changes, or surgery. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing the disease from getting worse.
What Causes Cardiomyopathy?
Cardiomyopathy can be caused by different factors including
- Genetic conditions
- Infections
- Medications
- Exposure to toxins
- Problems with the way the body metabolizes certain substances
Forms of Cardiomyopathy
The most common types of cardiomyopathy in children are:
- Dilated cardiomyopathy occurs when the heart muscle becomes stretched out and weak
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy which is a thickening of the heart muscle
- Restrictive cardiomyopathy is caused by a stiffening of the heart muscle
Each type of cardiomyopathy requires different kind of treatment, so it's important to get an accurate diagnosis by an experienced pediatric cardiologist.
Signs & Symptoms
Common signs and symptoms of pediatric cardiomyopathy include:
- Fatigue
- Breathlessness
- Exercise intolerance
- Palpitations
- Chest pain
- Fluid retention (edema)
- Rapid weight gain or loss
- Swelling of the legs and abdomen
- Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias
- Fainting spells
Severe cases may include:
- Congestive heart failure
- Swollen veins in the neck
- Enlarged liver
- Poor appetite
- Decreased alertness
Risk Factors
Cardiomyopathy in children can also be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Family history
- Babies born prior to 37 weeks gestation
- Heart defects and other congenital abnormalities
- Infections, such as myocarditis and endocarditis, can cause heart muscle inflammation, leading to cardiomyopathy.
- Some metabolic disorders, like diabetes and thyroid diseases
- Exposure to certain toxins
- Some medications, such as chemotherapy drugs or steroids
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is typically made through a combination of:
- Medical history
- Physical examination
- Laboratory tests Imaging studies
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Treatment
Treatment for pediatric cardiomyopathy depends on the underlying cause. Medications may include diuretics, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and other medicines to reduce the strain on the heart. Sometimes, a pacemaker or defibrillator may be necessary to help regulate an irregular heartbeat. A doctor may recommend surgery to repair defective valves and reduce blood pressure in the lungs. In severe and complex cases, a patient may need a heart transplant.
Prevention
Establishing healthy habits during childhood can help your child avoid developing cardiomyopathy in adulthood. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can help to reduce risk factors. Regular check-ups with a doctor are also essential to monitoring changes in health and manage conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
CHRISTUS Children's - The Heart Center
CHRISTUS Children's specializes in pediatric care for infants, children and adolescents as well as maternal and fetal care for women with high-risk and routine pregnancies. From birth to age 18, CHRISTUS Children’s provides comprehensive, coordinated care from a team of pediatric and maternal experts.