Cardiomyopathy and Muscular Dystrophy

Patients with dystrophin-based diseases, such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy, are likely to develop dilated cardiomyopathy and as a result heart failure. Over the past decade, we have realized that patients with all types of neuromuscular disease may have significant cardiovascular involvement. To address these issues, we have developed a Neuromuscular Cardiology program to diagnose and manage cardiac disease in children and adults with neuromuscular disorders.

Our approach is directed at the complete spectrum of care in patients with neuromuscular disorders. We employ state-of-the art diagnostic tools to diagnose cardiac disease as early as possible affording the family an opportunity for treatment. We believe that earlier diagnosis and implementation of appropriate treatments leads to better outcomes. We offer the most comprehensive treatment strategies that are currently available including medical and surgical interventions such as advanced pacing strategies, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), and ventricular assist devices (VADs). We are also actively involved in multiple research studies dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac disease in the setting of neuromuscular disorders.

> Learn more about the Neuromuscular Cardiology program at Cincinnati Children's