Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle that causes it to become enlarged and weak.
If the heart is affected to the degree that it does not pump blood well enough, then this can sometimes lead to heart failure. However, in most cases most people are mildly affected and the impact on their lives is small.
There are four main types of cardiomyopathy:
dilated or 'enlarged' heart which is the most common form
hypertrophic or 'thickened muscle'
arrhythmogenic right ventricular, a more unusual form associated with arrhythmias
restrictive or 'stiff' heart which is the least common.
Symptoms and characteristics
The type of cardiomyopathy will determine the type and severity of symptoms experienced, however symptoms may include:
- shortness of breath
- fatigue
- lethargy
- palpitations
- fainting and/or
- chest pains.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
There are various workplace adjustments that can assist with managing cardiomyopathy symptoms, particularly the shortness of breath and fatiguing easily. These include:
- avoidance of work involving heavy or strenuous activity
avoiding irritants such as gases, fumes and dust
avoiding extremes in temperature
job roles that allow for rotation between sitting and standing or for regular breaks to be taken
consideration for sick leave if treatment, surgical intervention and recovery is required
flexible or reduced work hours depending on treatment needs
education of colleagues or onsite first aid officer of action plan in case of emergency
provision of adequate space at workstation for oxygen therapy set up if necessary that is located away from naked flames.
There are solutions and adjustments for the following job requirements:
References
Cardiomyopathy Association of Australia 2009, What is Cardiomyopathy?, Cardiomyopathy Association of Australia, Brisbane, viewed 29 April 2010, <http://www.cmaa.org.au/whatis.html>.
Heart Foundation 2004, Cardiomyopathy, National Heart Foundation of Australia, Canberra, viewed 29 April 2010, http://www.heartfoundation.org.au/SiteCollectionDocuments/IS-306_Cardiomyopathy.pdf.