How can we prevent cardiomyopathy?
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There is really no way to prevent cardiomyopathy (except for #8 and #9 below which is self induced). There are 3 different kinds of cardiomyopathy: Dilated Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, and Restrictive Cardiomyopathy.
In most people, the cause of cardiomyopathy is unknown. In some people, however, doctors are able to identify a cause or contributing factors, including some that affect the heart and cardiovascular system. For example, any of the following conditions may cause or contribute to a dilated and poorly functioning heart:
1. Sustained high blood pressure
2. Heart valve problems
3. Heart tissue damage from a previous heart attack
4. Chronic rapid heart rate
5. Metabolic disorders, such as thyroid disease or diabetes
6. Nutritional deficiencies of essential vitamins and minerals, such as thiamin (vitamin B-1), selenium, calcium and magnesium
7. Pregnancy
8. Excessive use of alcohol over many years
9. Abuse of cocaine or antidepressant medications, such as tricyclic antidepressants
10. Use of some chemotherapy drugs to treat cancer
Certain viral infections, which may injure the heart and trigger cardiomyopathy
11. Hemochromatosis is a disorder in which your body doesn't properly metabolize iron, causing the accumulation of iron in your heart muscle. This can lead to a weakening of the heart muscle, resulting in the appearance of dilated cardiomyopathy.
Click these links for more information if you wish:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cardiom...
http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/guide...
http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.j...
sadly, there is no way to prevent it. if you have a family history of it you should keep close watch on your heart
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