Cardiomyopathy is a condition where the heart muscle becomes weakened or its structure changes, making it harder for the heart to pump blood to the rest of the body effectively. This can lead to symptoms like fatigue, breathlessness, and swelling in the legs and feet. There are several types of cardiomyopathy, with different causes and effects on the heart.
Maintain a Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help manage blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease.
Exercise Regularly: Regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight, lowers blood pressure, and improves heart health. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week.
Limit Alcohol and Avoid Tobacco: Excessive alcohol consumption and tobacco use can damage the heart muscle over time. Limiting alcohol intake and avoiding tobacco in any form can help reduce the risk of developing cardiomyopathy.
Monitor and Manage Health Conditions: If you have conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or obesity, managing these through medication and lifestyle changes can decrease the risk of cardiomyopathy.
Regular Health Check-ups: Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider can help detect and manage risk factors early on. Monitoring your heart health and getting screened for heart disease if you have symptoms or a family history of heart problems is important.
Preventing cardiomyopathy often involves taking steps to prevent heart disease in general. By focusing on a healthy lifestyle and managing other health conditions, you can significantly reduce your risk.
