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Ischemic Cardiomyopathy

I would like to have a more in depth explanation for Ischemic Cardiomyopathy. Thanks!

Hi:

Cleveland Clinic Health Information

Learn More: Ischemic Cardiomyopathy

What Is Ischemic cardiomyopathy?

Ischemic cardiomyopathy (CM) is the most common type of dilated cardiomyopathy. In Ischemic CM, the heart's ability to pump blood is decreased because the heart's main pumping chamber, the left ventricle, is enlarged, dilated and weak. This is caused by ischemia, a lack of blood supply to the heart muscle caused by coronary artery disease and heart attacks.

http://my.clevelandclinic.org/heart/disorders/heartfailure/ischemic_cardiomyopathy.aspx

Take care

CardioStar*

WebMD community member (8/99)

Cardiomyopathy is a term generally used to describe weakened heart muscle. Typically, your heart squeezes approximately 55-75% of its blood volume out into the aorta with each heartbeat. This percentage is called the ejection fraction.

Individuals with a cardiomyopathy typically have a depressed ejection fraction, although some infiltrative or genetic cardiomyopathies (amyloidosis or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy for example) may not demonstrate this, particularly at the earlier stages.

In some cases, the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen and nutrients because the small blood vessels that supply the heart muscle have blockages that obstruct flow. The muscle, in turn, slows down its metabolic processes and hibernate, thus resulting in decreased squeezing function. In some cases, restoration of blood flow can result in improvements in heart function. This is unfortunately not always the case. Also, in individuals who have had heart attacks, muscle function improvement is less likely.

Fortunately, we have lots of great medications available that improve symptoms (like chest pain and shortness of breath), lengthen life, and sometimes improve heart function. There is a role for heart surgery and stenting in certain cases. I hope that's helpful.