Dr Soumen Devidutta

  Your heart is one of the hardest working muscles in the body, pumping blood every second of your life. But when the heart muscle becomes weakened, thickened, or stiff , it struggles to pump blood efficiently a condition known as cardiomyopathy . Over time, this can lead to heart failure, irregular heartbeats, or even life-threatening complications if left untreated. What Is Cardiomyopathy? Cardiomyopathy refers to a group of diseases that affect the heart muscle (myocardium) . It changes the heart’s structure and weakens its ability to pump blood effectively. Depending on the type and cause, the condition may progress slowly or appear suddenly. Common Types of Cardiomyopathy 1.      Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) – The heart chambers enlarge, and the muscle becomes weak, reducing pumping power. 2.      Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) – The heart muscle thickens, making it harder for blood to leave the heart. 3.  ...

The heart is protected by a thin, double-layered sac called the pericardium . This structure acts like a shield, reducing friction as the heart beats. When the pericardium becomes inflamed, the condition is called pericarditis . While often mild, if left untreated, it can lead to serious complications, including dangerous fluid build-up around the heart. Signs and Symptoms to Watch For Pericarditis may develop suddenly (acute) or gradually (chronic). Common symptoms include: Sharp chest pain – typically worsens when lying down or breathing deeply. Breathlessness – difficulty in catching your breath, especially when reclining. Fatigue & Fever – general weakness, tiredness, and low-grade fever. These signs should never be ignored, as they may mimic other serious heart conditions. Why Timely Diagnosis Matters If pericarditis is not diagnosed and treated promptly, it can cause: Pericardial effusion – fluid build-up around the heart. Card...