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Diagnosis

How We Can Help YouÌý

The term cardiomyopathy refers to a group of heart muscle diseases that interfere with the heart’s ability to pump blood. Different types of cardiomyopathies affect the heart in different ways. Depending on the type, the condition may cause your heart muscle to weaken, enlarge, thicken, or stiffen.

Some cardiomyopathies — known as inherited cardiomyopathies — run in families, which means they are caused by a difference in genetic makeup that can be passed down from parents to their children. Determining if you have an inherited cardiomyopathy is important because it may impact your treatment plan and have implications for your whole family.

Our team of specialists provides world-class care for all types of inherited cardiomyopathy. We specialize in recognizing genetic heart disease and aim to catch it as early as possible. We work to slow or prevent disease progression when possible, reduce symptoms, and help patients enjoy the lives they want to live. We also work to help protect families with tailored screening services.

Treatment for Cardiomyopathy

We take a team approach to diagnosing and treating cardiomyopathy. Our cardiologists specialize in inherited cardiomyopathies and work with electrophysiologists (specialists in the heart’s electrical system), genetic counselors, advanced practice providers, and registered nurses. These experts work with you to provide care to you and for your whole family, both during your visits and between appointments. The team uses your medical history, family history, and heart test results to assess possible causes of your cardiomyopathy and to recommend treatment options tailored to your specific situation.

We consider you a close partner as we work together to develop a care plan with the goal of meeting your specific needs, improving your symptoms, and protecting your health. With proper care, many people can live long and full lives with a cardiomyopathy diagnosis. Ìý

When recommending treatment, we always consider the least invasive approach first. Options range from lifestyle support and medications to implantable devices, procedures, and surgeries. We also consider clinical trials for new, promising treatments when possible.

Specific treatment depends on the type of cardiomyopathy you have:

Comprehensive Support Services

We understand the challenges of living with a chronic heart condition. Our team of psychologists, specially trained in the needs of people with cardiovascular disease, can help you adjust to your diagnosis or make difficult treatment decisions. They can help you manage health-related stress and assist you in implementing important lifestyle adjustments.

Our doctors and genetic counselors ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ the causes of familial cardiomyopathy, allowing us to help you understand your family’s risk for inherited heart disease.

What is Cardiomyopathy?

Diagnostic Tests for Cardiomyopathy

If a genetic cause is suspected, we offer a comprehensive genetic evaluation, which includes a family history risk assessment, genetic counseling, and genetic testing. Learn more about genetic testing, counseling, and evaluation for heart disease.

The process of diagnosing a cardiomyopathy usually involves blood tests, rhythm monitoring assessment, and various types of imaging to accurately assess your heart’s size and function.Ìý Our specialists use the latest technologies and provide expert interpretation of the results:

  • Cardiac catheterization: After placing a needle in a wrist, neck, or groin, specialists thread a narrow tube called a catheter through vessels toward your heart. During cardiac catheterization, we may take X-rays after injecting contrast dye, a test called a coronary angiogram. During this type of test, we can also more precisely measure the pressure in different parts of your heart and lungs to develop a more individualized plan.
  • Computed tomography (CT) coronary angiogram: This innovative test provides another option for examining coronary arteries. Instead of immediately performing a conventional angiogram to look for blockages or narrowing, we create a 3-D image of your arteries. If the arteries are clear, you may not need a cardiac catheterization. We use the latest scanners for CT coronary angiograms, with accurate results and low radiation exposure.
  • Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Magnets, radio waves, and a computer produce high-resolution still and moving images of the heart and its blood vessels. We can see heart valve abnormalities and heart muscle damage with cardiac MRI.
  • Echocardiogram (echo): Ultrasound (sound waves) creates a moving picture of your heart. We use echocardiograms to gauge the size, shape, and function of your heart. We can assess how blood moves through the chambers and valves of your heart. An echo is usually performed by gliding the ultrasound probe over your chest. This type of echo is called a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE).
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG): We use electrocardiograms to record the heart’s electrical impulses, to look for irregular heart rhythms or subtle changes to the electrical conduction.
  • Rhythm monitors: Wearable devices sometimes known as Holter monitors record the electrical signals of your heart for a set period of time (usually for 14 to 30 days). Event monitors allow you to trigger recording when you experience an abnormal heart sensation but also monitor your heart rhythm for abnormalities that you may not feel.
  • Stress electrocardiogram (ECG) test: A stress ECG test checks your heart rhythm with an electrocardiogram while you exercise on a treadmill or stationary bicycle. It can assess for coronary artery disease or abnormal rhythms of the heart.
  • Stress echocardiogram (echo) test: A stress echo is similar to a stress ECG test but also includes a heart ultrasound to take images of your heart before and after you exercise on the treadmill or stationary bicycle.
  • Cardiopulmonary stress test (CPX): This highly specialized stress test uses a breathing mask to measure the amount of oxygen you breath in and the amount of carbon dioxide you breath out.Ìý You will also have an ECG and an echogardiogram. This breathing mask gives us a very accurate assessment of your heart capacity and fitness. We use this information to tailor your medical recommendations and create a personalized exercise program for you. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing is a specialized test that is available only at certain centers. Ìý

Our Clinics

Stanford Center for Inherited Cardiovascular Disease

Our center provides world-leading care for genetic diseases of the heart and blood vessels. We bring together specialized cardiologists, genetic counselors, cardiovascular advanced practice providers (APPs), specially trained registered nurses, and other experts to provide all the support you and your family need.

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300 Pasteur Dr
 Fl 2 Rm A260
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Phone: 650-723-7111
300 Pasteur Dr
 Fl 2 Rm A21
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Phone: 650-723-5468
5565 W Las Positas Blvd
 Ste 150
 Pleasanton, CA 94588
Phone: 925-278-7017
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