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Cardiomyopathy

What is cardiomyopathy?
Cardiomyopathy means that the heart muscle is sick and not working well.

What causes cardiomyopathy?
Cardiomyopathy can be due to a problem with the heart itself (e.g., abnormal structure, abnormal rhythm) or with another problem (e.g., viral infection, metabolic disorders) causing the heart to malfunction.

How do we diagnose cardiomyopathy?
Cardiomyopathy may be suspected in a newborn with evidence of poor heart function, such as poor color, respiratory distress, low blood pressure, and/or poor perfusion. EKG, CXR, blood tests, and an echocardiogram of the heart might be performed. The cardiologist might be consulted.

How do we treat infants with an cardiomyopathy?
It is important to try to determine the cause so that treatment is appropriate. Usually, medicines can be given to the baby to help improve the function of the heart. Often, it can take some time for the heart to heal itself.

What are the long-term effects associated with cardiomyopathy?
The outcome depends on the cause, but often it can be treated. Some babies are discharged on medicines, and might be followed-up by the cardiologist. Other times, the cause can be one that is incurable and resulted in permanent damage. Without a heart transplant, these babies do not survive.

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