What is primary cardiomyopathy?

Condition analysis:
The patient does not have other cardiac conditions that lead to weakened heart muscle. In some cases, cardiomyopathies are inherited and may be passed down to other family members.

Instructions:
Magnesium
Animal studies have shown that deficiency of magnesium can lead to heart muscle damage and subsequently to heart failure.

The role of magnesium in cardiomyopathy is not proven for humans.

Magnesium is so intimately involved in heart function, however, that getting enough may help a compromised heart work better for a number of reasons.

Magnesium affects heart muscle contraction, and magnesium deficiency can cause abnormal heart rhythms and/or irregular beats. Adequate amounts can help prevent constriction of isolated blood vessels, which can affect the blood supply to the heart muscle.

Apparently, magnesium also offers protection during a heart attack. Magnesium-deficient animals have greater tissue damage after heart attacks than animals getting enough magnesium.

Have your doctor monitor the magnesium level in your blood. If you have magnesium deficiency, you should take supplementation.

Recommended dosage: 400 milligrams/day.

Good sources for magnesium are: nuts, beans, whole grains, and green vegetables.

Note: If you have a kidney problem or heart disease, take magnesium supplements only under medical supervision.

Caution: Cardiomyopathy is a life-threatening condition. If you suspect you or someone you know is suffering from cardiomyopathy, seek medical assistance immediately.