Physiotherapy is an important component in the treatment of heart muscle weakness. Contrary to the general belief, it is beneficial to remain physically active despite the physical limitations and to train endurance and muscle strength. The goals set in physiotherapy and the individual therapy plan make it possible for patients with heart muscle weakness to make everyday life much easier and to regain a large part of their quality of life, so that they can live with more vigor and positive energy again.
Treatment/Therapy
When treating a heart muscle weakness in physiotherapy, it is important to establish a precise therapy plan with defined goals. This initially includes a detailed patient interview with physical examination. During this discussion, the cause and development of the heart muscle weakness is discussed in detail.
This also includes consideration of the social environment, the motivation for therapy, filling in gaps in knowledge about the disease and an assessment of the current health status. The physical examination then focuses primarily on the fitness level, the limitations caused by the disease and limitations caused by other existing diseases, if any. During the consultation, the patient’s wishes and the ideas and objectives of the therapy are also discussed in order to create a therapy plan with realistic chances of success.
Among the general goals of the therapy are also, above all, an adaptation to the limitations acquired through the heart muscle weakness and an acceptance of a reduced physical capacity. In terms of content, the therapy will involve slow endurance training in combination with muscle-building exercises in order to get the patient to a fitness level appropriate to the disease. Regular exercise can improve peripheral blood circulation.
Of course, physiotherapy is only one part of the therapy for heart muscle weakness. Due to the complex effects of the disease and the individual situation of the patient, treatment generally consists of a combination of several therapeutic approaches. In addition to physical rehabilitation through physiotherapeutic measures, these include various drugs such as ACE inhibitors, ß-blockers, blood-thinning and dehydrating agents or a combination of these.
Some patients are also fitted with an ICD (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator), which constantly monitors heart function and can react in an emergency. If the heart muscle weakness is caused by a heart valve defect, surgery can help. The doctor will decide on the best course of therapy for each individual patient.
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