Cardiomyopathy in children
Cardiomyopathy is the term used to describe a range of diseases of the heart muscle, where the ability of the heart to pump blood effectively is impaired.
What causes cardiomyopathy in children?
In many cases of cardiomyopathy in children, the cause is unknown. Known causes include viral infections of the heart, some metabolic diseases, congenital (present at birth) muscle disorders and certain inherited disorders.
There are 3 main types of cardiomyopathy:
- dilated;
- hypertrophic; and
- restrictive.
Dilated cardiomyopathy
This is the most common type of cardiomyopathy. The heart chambers are enlarged and the muscle is stretched (dilated). Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias) can also occur.
Because blood flows more slowly through the enlarged heart, blood clots can form more easily. Sometimes these clots break free (called emboli).
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
More than half the cases of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy are hereditary. The muscle of the left pumping chamber (ventricle) is thickened (hypertrophied). The wall between the ventricles (septum) may also be thickened, partly blocking the flow of blood out of the left ventricle. Arrhythmias can also occur.
Restrictive cardiomyopathy
This is the least common type. The muscles of the ventricles become stiff, making it harder for the ventricles to fill with blood.
What are the symptoms of cardiomyopathy?
Symptoms and signs will vary depending on the type and severity of the cardiomyopathy and the child's age.
Symptoms may include breathlessness, lethargy, palpitations (an awareness of your heart pounding or beating in your chest), chest pain, dizziness or fainting. Children in the early stages of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy may not have any symptoms.
Diagnosis
The first step in the diagnosis will involve your doctor taking a history and performing a physical examination.
Your doctor may recommend tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), which records the electrical impulses of the heart, a chest X-ray and blood tests. An echocardiogram (ultrasound scan of the heart) is used to determine the type and severity of the cardiomyopathy.
In some cases, the diagnosis may be confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Other more advanced tests may include cardiac catheterisation, in which a small tube is threaded up through a blood vessel to measure the pressure inside the heart, or to take a small biopsy (tissue sample).
Treatment
Treatment will vary depending on the type and the severity of the cardiomyopathy. Treatments may include:
-
medications to improve the ability of the heart to pump or to regulate abnormal heart rhythms;
-
devices such as a pacemaker or an implantable defibrillator for children at risk of a life-threatening arrhythmia; or
-
surgery, which may include a heart transplant in severe cases.
Your doctor will advise you regarding the appropriate treatment for your child.
Last Reviewed: 06 April 2007
