Cardiomyopathy
Course Content
This course provides a concise overview of cardiomyopathy, focusing on its prevalence and impact in Ireland. Learners will explore key statistics, types of cardiomyopathy such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), its association with sudden cardiac death, and its role in heart failure. The course also highlights the genetic aspects and the importance of early detection and management within the Irish healthcare context.
This training will take approximately 45 minutes.
Take notes when necessary to assist you with the knowledge checks throughout.
Course Agenda
Understand what cardiomyopathy is — a group of diseases that affect the heart muscle, altering its structure and function, often leading to heart failure or arrhythmias.
Recognize the main types of cardiomyopathy:
Dilated (DCM): weakened, enlarged heart chambers.
Hypertrophic (HCM): thickened heart muscle.
Restrictive (RCM): stiff, less elastic ventricles.
Arrhythmogenic right ventricular (ARVC): fatty/fibrous tissue replacing muscle.
Identify causes and risk factors — genetic mutations, infections, alcohol misuse, certain drugs, pregnancy, high blood pressure, and metabolic or autoimmune diseases.
Recognize signs and symptoms — breathlessness, fatigue, palpitations, chest pain, dizziness, and swelling of legs or abdomen; understand that some individuals remain asymptomatic until advanced stages.
Understand diagnostic methods — ECG, echocardiogram, cardiac MRI, genetic testing, and blood work; appreciate the importance of early detection for management.
Learn treatment and management strategies — medication (beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, diuretics), lifestyle adjustments, implantable devices (pacemaker/ICD), and surgical or transplant options.
Promote lifestyle and self-care awareness — healthy diet, moderate exercise under medical advice, avoiding alcohol/smoking, managing stress, and adherence to prescribed medications.
Recognize the genetic component — importance of family screening, genetic counseling, and monitoring for inherited forms of the disease.
Know when to escalate or seek emergency help — worsening breathlessness, chest pain, fainting, or rapid/irregular heartbeat may indicate acute deterioration requiring urgent care.
Foster empathy and long-term support — understand the emotional impact of chronic heart disease, encourage open communication, and provide ongoing education and reassurance for patients and families.
Course Agenda
Understand what cardiomyopathy is — a group of diseases that affect the heart muscle, altering its structure and function, often leading to heart failure or arrhythmias.
Recognize the main types of cardiomyopathy:
Dilated (DCM): weakened, enlarged heart chambers.
Hypertrophic (HCM): thickened heart muscle.
Restrictive (RCM): stiff, less elastic ventricles.
Arrhythmogenic right ventricular (ARVC): fatty/fibrous tissue replacing muscle.
Identify causes and risk factors — genetic mutations, infections, alcohol misuse, certain drugs, pregnancy, high blood pressure, and metabolic or autoimmune diseases.
Recognize signs and symptoms — breathlessness, fatigue, palpitations, chest pain, dizziness, and swelling of legs or abdomen; understand that some individuals remain asymptomatic until advanced stages.
Understand diagnostic methods — ECG, echocardiogram, cardiac MRI, genetic testing, and blood work; appreciate the importance of early detection for management.
Learn treatment and management strategies — medication (beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, diuretics), lifestyle adjustments, implantable devices (pacemaker/ICD), and surgical or transplant options.
Promote lifestyle and self-care awareness — healthy diet, moderate exercise under medical advice, avoiding alcohol/smoking, managing stress, and adherence to prescribed medications.
Recognize the genetic component — importance of family screening, genetic counseling, and monitoring for inherited forms of the disease.
Know when to escalate or seek emergency help — worsening breathlessness, chest pain, fainting, or rapid/irregular heartbeat may indicate acute deterioration requiring urgent care.
Foster empathy and long-term support — understand the emotional impact of chronic heart disease, encourage open communication, and provide ongoing education and reassurance for patients and families.
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