Learning about cardiomyopathy causes and risk factors helps West Palm Beach, FL, patients understand whether they are at risk for this dangerous heart condition. Cardiomyopathy is a disease that can weaken the heart and eventually result in heart failure and other major heart issues. The more people know about its risk factors and causes, the better.
What Are the Risk Factors for Cardiomyopathy?
Anyone, regardless of age, race, or sex, can have cardiomyopathy. There are many potential risk factors for this heart condition.
A family history of cardiomyopathy increases the likelihood of experiencing it, as does a family history of sudden cardiac arrest or heart failure. A personal history of heart attacks can also increase the chance of having cardiomyopathy.
Certain very stressful experiences can increase the chance of developing cardiomyopathy, including the death of a loved one. Undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy cancer treatments can be a risk factor, as can being pregnant.
Additional risk factors for this disease include having a BMI over 30, long-term drinking, and long-term cocaine use.
Cardiomyopathy Causes: Inherited Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy can either be inherited or acquired. Inherited cardiomyopathy occurs due a person’s genes, and numerous genetic mutations can result in the disease. Certain types of inherited cardiomyopathy affect, on average, one in 2,000 to 2,500 people. The most common type is present in, on average, one in 500 people.
Cardiomyopathy Causes: Acquired Cardiomyopathy
Acquired cardiomyopathy has numerous potential causes. In many cases, other health conditions are the cause. These include metabolic health disorders like diabetes, obesity, and thyroid diseases. Muscular dystrophy can be a cause, as can autoimmune issues like connective tissue disorders.
Amyloidosis, hemochromatosis, and sarcoidosis can cause this heart condition. Amyloidosis is a condition where proteins become irregular and gather on organs like the heart. Hemochromatosis is a condition where the body absorbs more iron than necessary from food; this iron can build up in the heart muscle. Sarcoidosis is a disease where granulomas (collections of inflammatory cells) grow in the heart or lungs.
Health issues like long-term high blood pressure, high cholesterol, coronary artery disease, a long-term rapid heart rate, and a deficit in certain vitamins or minerals can result in cardiomyopathy. Complications from pregnancy can be a cause, along with chemotherapy medications and radiation treatments for cancer.
Cardiomyopathy can be caused by infections that affect the myocardium and cause heart inflammation. It can also come from a COVID-19 infection. Additionally, damaged heart tissue caused by a heart attack can lead to cardiomyopathy, as can heart valve problems.
Drug use is another cause. Amphetamines, anabolic steroids, and cocaine can result in acquired cardiomyopathy, as can years of drinking.
Contact Us to Learn More
If you’re concerned that you may be at risk for cardiomyopathy, learn more about cardiomyopathy causes and risk factors in West Palm Beach, FL, at The Palm Beach Clinic. Speaking with Dr. Chauncey Crandall, a renowned concierge cardiologist, will help you better understand your risk factors. Contact us today for a consultation.