The literal definition of cardiomyopathy is muscle heart disease. It means that the heart muscle, the myocardium, has deteriorated to a point where it cannot pump blood sufficiently. This condition can gradually grow worse over time, or sometimes reaches a peak and stays there for a period. In some cases, people will get gradually better instead of worsening.
In most cases, the effects of cardiomyopathy are not felt during the early stages of the condition. The symptoms typically get worse with time. These are similar to those experienced with congestive heart failure, including an abnormal heartbeat, trouble breathing, dizziness, fatigue, and pain in the abdomen and chest.
There are three major kinds of cardiomyopathy.
- Dilated Cardiomyopathy: the most common and least serious form of this condition. It is caused by an enlarging of the main heart chamber, causing a slowing down of the blood-pumping process. Those who have it usually get better with treatment.
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: caused by a growth or thickening of the heart muscle. It affects the left ventricle primarily, causing the heart to stiffen. The size of the pumping chamber of the heart then shrinks, losing the ability to sufficiently pump blood.
- Restrictive Cardiomyopathy: this type stiffens the heart muscle and makes it lose some of its elasticity. This causes trouble with the filling and emptying of the heart’s ventricles with blood in-between heartbeats.
If you or a loved one has cardiomyopathy, it is probably a serious condition that has caused you serious suffering. You have also probably missed a lot of work, are no longer able to work.
If you are disabled due to cardiomyopathy, you may qualify for wage replacement in the form of long-term disability insurance benefits. If your claim is denied, we can help you appeal a denial. Call experienced disability lawyer Nick Ortiz at (888) 321-8131 for a free case evaluation.
