Ischemic Cardiomyopathy Diagnosis Criteria

Ischemic cardiomyopathy refers to a syndrome characterized by extensive myocardial ischemia caused by diffuse and severe coronary artery stenosis, leading to symptoms such as cardiac enlargement and heart failure. The specific diagnostic criteria are as follows:

Key Diagnostic Standards

Risk Factors and Medical History

Patients typically present with underlying risk factors including hypertension, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and abdominal obesity. A documented history of coronary artery disease or angina pectoris is also a crucial indicator in the diagnostic process.

Clinical Symptoms and Signs

Common manifestations include significant dyspnea (shortness of breath), jugular venous distension, and bilateral lower limb edema—classic signs of heart failure. These clinical features support the diagnosis and reflect the impact of long-term myocardial ischemia on cardiac function.

Imaging and Diagnostic Tests

Echocardiography or chest X-ray may reveal cardiac enlargement, reduced left ventricular function, and diffuse wall motion abnormalities. Coronary angiography is essential for confirming the presence of severe stenosis in one or more major coronary arteries, which is a hallmark of ischemic cardiomyopathy.

Differential Diagnosis

It is important to rule out other forms of cardiomyopathy such as alcoholic cardiomyopathy, diabetic cardiomyopathy, and valvular heart disease. Accurate differential diagnosis ensures appropriate treatment planning and management.

Recommended Treatment Approaches

Effective management of ischemic cardiomyopathy involves comprehensive control of modifiable risk factors such as blood pressure, glucose levels, and lipid profiles. Medications like aspirin and statins are commonly prescribed to slow the progression of atherosclerosis and reduce cardiovascular risk.

In addition, timely coronary angiography is recommended to evaluate the severity of arterial blockages. Depending on the patient's condition, interventions such as percutaneous coronary intervention (stent placement) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) may be necessary to restore myocardial perfusion and improve long-term outcomes.