Why cardiomyopathy screening is essential for physically active people – Specialist advice

Cardiomyopathy are a group of diseases that affect the heart muscle, potentially leading to serious complications if left undiagnosed. For physically active people, undiagnosed cardiomyopathy poses a heightened risk due to the added strain that exercise places on the heart.

Dr Emmanuel (Manos) Androulakis, leading consultant cardiologist with a special interest in sports cardiology, explains why cardiomyopathy screening is essential for physically active people, what the process involves, and whether it’s possible to continue sports after a diagnosis.

Why is cardiomyopathy screening important for physically active people?

Engaging in regular physical activity can lead to better heart health. However, for a heart affected by cardiomyopathy, the increased cardiovascular demand during exercise can exacerbate the condition, leading to dangerous complications such as arrhythmias, heart failure, or even sudden cardiac arrest.

Cardiomyopathy often presents silently, with little or no symptoms in its early stages. Early detection through cardiomyopathy screening allows your cardiologist to identify hidden heart problems before they become life-threatening, allowing for personalised treatment plans to ensure good health and safety during exercise.

What does cardiomyopathy screening involve?

Cardiomyopathy screening is a comprehensive evaluation designed to detect abnormalities in the heart’s structure or function. Physically active people are recommended to undergo screening every 2 to 3 years.

The assessment typically begins with a detailed medical history, during which your cardiologist will inquire about symptoms like chest pain, palpitations or unexplained fainting, as well as any family history of heart disease. A physical examination is then performed.

Subsequently, non-invasive tests are conducted. Common tests include an electrocardiogram (ECG) to measure the heart’s electrical activity, an echocardiogram to evaluate the size, shape, and function of the heart muscle, and sometimes a stress test to assess the heart’s performance under physical exertion. In some cases, additional tests like Holter monitoring, cardiac MRI, or genetic testing may be recommended.

How is cardiomyopathy treated if diagnosed?

The treatment for cardiomyopathy varies depending on the type, severity, and symptoms.

Medications are often the first line of treatment. Beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers may be prescribed to help control heart rate and reduce strain on the heart. For people at risk of arrhythmias, anti-arrhythmic drugs or blood thinners may be prescribed to regulate your heart rate. For people with dilated cardiomyopathy, medications such as ACE inhibitors or diuretics can help alleviate fluid buildup.

In more advanced cases, surgical interventions or other medical procedures may be required. Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are used to prevent sudden cardiac arrest by delivering shocks to restore normal heart rhythm during life-threatening arrhythmias. Septal myectomy, a surgical procedure to remove thickened heart muscle, can improve symptoms in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Can I continue sports if diagnosed with cardiomyopathy?

In the UK, guidelines for sports participation in people diagnosed with cardiomyopathy are carefully tailored to each case. For some people, low to moderate exercise may still be safe under medical supervision. However, high-intensity and competitive sports are generally discouraged, as they significantly increase the risk of complications.

Your cardiologist will evaluate heart function, rhythm abnormalities, and response to treatment to create personalised recommendations.

To book an appointment with Dr Emmanuel (Manos) Androulakis, head on over to his Top Doctors profile today.