To better detect and combat cardiomyopathy, the Belgian Cardiological League (BCL) calls for more early screening. Cardiomyopathies are the main cause of heart failure and transplantation in young people and the cause of sudden cardiac arrest in young (top) athletes. These are often genetic heart diseases, which underlines the importance of family screening. Experts point out the importance of early screening. This heart disease also affects people in their twenties and thirties.
In Belgium, an estimated 1 in 200 people live with a cardiomyopathy. The disease can have significant consequences for their quality of life and life expectancy. The diagnosis can have a major impact on their lifestyle and lead to exclusion from (competitive) sports. Because of the often hereditary component of cardiomyopathy, it can influence family planning.
Mainly affects young people
Although many people with cardiomyopathy often show no symptoms, this disease is the main cause of heart failure and transplants in young people, and heart rhythm disorders in young (top) athletes. Cardiomyopathies can occur at any age, even during childhood or adolescence, but the first symptoms usually occur between the ages of 20-40. This means that young, active adults are often affected by the disease.
The most common symptoms are: shortness of breath, fainting or palpitations. In that case, it is best to consult a GP or cardiologist for further examination. It also happens that a cardiomyopathy is diagnosed accidentally during a routine heart examination or during a family screening.
Often a genetic cause
Cardiomyopathies are in many cases genetic and are passed on from parents to children. Some forms may also be related to external factors such as infections or poor lifestyle. Sometimes both genetic and environmental factors play a role.
‘Cardiomyopathy is an unknown and underestimated condition that can have a major impact on people’s lives. It is vital that we raise awareness and encourage people to get tested where there is a family history.” says Prof. Dr. Emeline Van Craenenbroeck, cardiologist at the University Hospital Antwerp. ‘Identifying cardiomyopathies at an early stage can save patients’ lives. With timely detection, we can implement strategies to reduce the risk of complications and improve life expectancy.”
Role of early screening in at-risk families
If a cardiomyopathy is discovered in a family member, this ideally leads to screening of all close relatives. This so-called ‘cascade approach’ is important to find out whether the cardiomyopathy is the result of a genetic abnormality.
In at-risk families, a child with a normal heart at birth may still develop the disease later in life. Therefore, regular monitoring to detect the disease early is crucial. This screening can start in childhood. The type and frequency of the examination is determined by the doctor. The tests performed for this include a blood test, an echocardiogram or an electrocardiogram.
Therapy
Cardiomyopathies are mainly treated by taking into account complications such as heart failure, arrhythmias and the occurrence of blood clots.
In addition to prescribed medication, a pacemaker or defibrillator is sometimes implanted to save the patient in the event of a cardiac arrhythmia or sudden cardiac arrest. In the more extreme cases, a heart transplant is chosen if the heart is so weakened by severe heart failure.
Early diagnosis and treatment of cardiomyopathies are therefore crucial to improve the long-term prognosis.
Call for awareness
With this campaign, the Belgian Cardiological League aims to spread information about this disease, promote early detection and provide support to patients with cardiomyopathy. More information about the disease can be found on the website.
Brochure and poster of the campaign:
Podcast over cardiomyopathie: Axel: Jonas:
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2024-03-06 15:16:13
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