Re: Need information

Posted By CCF CARDIO MD - CRC on August 23, 1998 at 18:44:24:

In Reply to: Need information posted by ronnie on August 22, 1998 at 22:52:53:






I'm 31 and have been told I have cardiomyopathy though they don't know which one at this stage. I'm being treated for high blood pressure and am going bach in 3 weeks for another echocardiogram to see if there has been any change in the last 6 months.
I experience stange sensations in the left side of my chest just above my breast. These range from dull aches, to short pin pricks. And I also get these things when my heart is beating but it feels like it is going through my whole body and is very uncomfortable.
I haven't been able to find out much info here.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and maybe give me some info ...






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Dear ronnie,

Thank you for your question. It seems that we have been getting a lot of questions from young people with cardiomyopathy lately and you can read through those and also get information from them.  Basically cardiomyopathy is a "weakness" of the heart muscle that can be due to ischemia (lack of blood flow - the most common), viral (more common in young people),  idiopathic (unknown cause but probably viral) and several rare conditions.  It is usually diagnosed by history and an echocardiogram.  Occasionally a heart muscle biopsy is performed.  
Symptoms are shortness of breath, swelling in the legs, chest discomfort and palpitations and increased fatigue.  Treatment is usually medical and in severe cases heart transplant.  About a third of patients get worse with some going on to transplant.  Another third stay the same and are managed well with medical therapy and the rest get better.  Hope this helps.  Feel free to write back with any additional questions.
Information provided here is for general educational purposes only.  Only your doctor can provide specific diagnoses and treatments.  If you would like to be seen at the Cleveland Clinic, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE for an appointment at Desk F15 with a cardiologist.