Cardiomyopathy is a chronic heart condition. It involves the deterioration of heart muscles known as the myocardium. The heart muscles becomes abnormally enlarged, thickened or stiffened. The heart is eventually unable to pump effectively and cannot supply the body with enough blood to function. In severe cases, this condition can lead to heart failure or death.This condition is common is adults but rare in children and infants.

There are 5 different types which includes

• Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
• Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM)
• Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARCM)
• Left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy (LVNC)

What are the causes of pediatric cardiomyopathy ?

There are many causes in children, some of which are not fully understood. Some of the causes include the following :

• inheriting it from both parents
• viral infection
• toxins affecting other organs
• using chemotherapy drugs
• metabolic , mitochondrial or systemic diseases in parts of the body other than the heart

However the exact cause remains unknown in about 2/3 diagnosed children.

Symptoms of pediatric cardiomyopathy ?

Symptoms may occasionally be mistaken for a cold, flu, asthma or stomachache.  Some children remain asymptomatic while others experience the following :

• shortness of breath or rapid breathing
• irregular or rapid heartbeat
• abdominal bloating or swelling
• chest pain
• extreme fatigue

These kids may experience the following :

• sweat excessively
• feed poorly
• extreme sleepiness
• poor weight gain

How is pediatric cardiomyopathy diagnosed ?

A pediatric cardiologist will confirm the diagnosis though an echocardiogram (echo) and electrocardiogram (EKG, or ECG). Other medical tests may be necessary in some cases. Genetic testing may also be done to verify the cause of the disease.

Since this condition is rare. It is important to locate a children’s medical center with experience in managing children with this condition. Early diagnosis and treatment is important to prevent complications and progression into heart failure.

What are the treatment options for pediatric cardiomyopathy ?

There is no cure for this condition however symptoms and complications can be managed by medication, surgery and implantable devices. The treatment type depends on the type and severity of the condition.

• • medication : This is usually the first treatment option  to improve heart function
  • an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)  : This may be needed to  regulate heart beat in children with irregular heart beat
  • a surgical procedure known as myectomy : Relieves symptoms in children with Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy HCM
  • a heart transplant may be necessary if medical management is ineffective in controlling symptoms and preventing heart failure

Children with this condition live a relatively normal lifestyle with a few limitations such as

• more visit to cardiologist
• taking daily medications
• restriction from competitive and contact sports
• diet changes