2024-01-31 07:32:15
In Spain there are more than 140,000 people with cardiomyopathies. An early diagnosis of any of these diseases can be crucial, as they are the main cause of sudden death among young people.
The risk of sudden cardiac death is high in all patients with cardiomyopathies. EFE/How Hwee Young
Cardiomyopathies, a heterogeneous group of cardiovascular diseases with a frequently hereditary origin, have a relevant impact on the quality of life of patients.
These pathologies are characterized by structural and functional alterations of the myocardium that can be fatal, since they are one of the main causes of sudden death, especially among those under 35 years of age, when they practice physical activity.
It is estimated that sudden cardiac death represents between 13% and 18.5% of all deaths, so there would be between 58,597 and 83,388 cases of sudden cardiac death per year in Spain.
In fact, it is estimated that between 10% and 15% of sudden cardiac death cases occur in patients with cardiomyopathies.
In this sense, and with the aim of making visible the importance of early diagnosis, Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) e Hiris han prepared the report ‘Cardiomyopathies matter’ which they recently presented at Espacio Bertelsmann (Madrid).
The study focuses especially on analyzing the impact that cardiomyopathies have on life of patients, as well as challenges and unmet needs.
Furthermore, this report represents a call to action that urges health professionals, authorities and society in general to recognize the importance of cardiomyopathies and to work together to improve the approach to these diseases.
The impact of cardiomyopathies
The main clinical manifestations of cardiomyopathies are secondary to heart failure and arrhythmias. In fact, these pathologies can also increase the risk of suffering a cardioembolic stroke.
Furthermore, the cardiomyopathies are associated with greater prevalence of anxiety and depression, and with limitations at work, education and activities of daily living. In fact, the fear of sudden death from this disease or the fear of transmitting the disease to children are factors that generate a lot of stress and a constant state of alert in those who suffer from them.
This deterioration in quality of life increases in patients who also have other chronic diseases such as lung disease and arthritis.
The main cost of cardiomyopathies for health systems is especially due to hospitalizations and the need for highly complex treatments. Implantable automatic defibrillators (ICD) or even heart transplants come into play here.
Furthermore, these diseases also involve social and socioeconomic costs, especially due to the loss of productivity of people of active working age and informal caregiving.
Diagnosis and treatment of cardiomyopathies
The diagnosis of cardiomyopathy can be suspected based on the symptoms, the presence of a murmur, an abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG) or due to a family history of cardiomyopathy or sudden death. In these cases it is essential to perform an echocardiogram.
Other tests would be: a stress test, 24-hour Holter ECG, cardiac magnetic resonance, catheterization, electrophysiological study and genetic study, among others.
It is very common and advisable to perform a genetic study since the positive genetic result allows us to estimate the probability of recurrence in family members with greater precision. However, despite the relevant role of genetic tests, there is underuse in Europe, according to the report prepared by Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) e Slice.
Despite the number of tests available for diagnosis, studying patients with cardiomyopathies is very complex and requires expert specialists in these diseases.
In fact, many patients do not present symptoms and therefore, it is relevant to do a early diagnostic with the aim of avoiding a fatal consequence.
Cardiomyopathies can occur at any stage of life. /EFE/EPA/Julien de Rosa
Inclusive national strategy
The Cardiovascular Health Strategy of the National Health System (ESCAV) published by the Ministry of Health in 2022 does not contemplate the approach to cardiomyopathiesestablishing that these, together with familial heart diseases, will be considered in future reviews of the strategy.
In this sense, still Specific attention and an inclusive national strategy are pending for these diseases.
Thus, Dr. García-Pavía, specialist in this group of diseases “It is crucial that the next review incorporates a detailed focus on cardiomyopathies. We need strategies that not only address treatment, but also promote early detection and effective management of these diseases.”
Challenges and unmet needs
The report mainly reflects the challenges and needs with the approach to cardiomyopathies. Late diagnosis, for example, favors the appearance of complications and a delay in timely referral to a cardiologist.
In this sense, early diagnosis is one of the workhorses to work on, considering it essential to save lives.
Furthermore, the report proposes working on:
- Las inequalities in access, due to an unequal distribution of cardiology and cardiovascular surgery services.
- The unification in the performance of diagnostic tests used and in the therapeutic strategies implemented, which need to be homogenized.
- Increase family screening, which may include clinical and genetic testing; multidisciplinary approach, led by expert cardiologists.
- He taking advantage of digital tools to improve efficiency, access and quality of care.
- Improve coordination between professionals of different levels of care.
- Increase empowerment of patients in decision making.
Finally, the report highlights the need for further research to promote innovation that improves results in the treatment of cardiomyopathies.
#Early #diagnosis #lifesaver #cardiomyopathies