Cardiomyopathy
By: Mary Mamone and Brady Kaucic
Frank Jones, 43
Mr. Jones works for a major corporation. His job causes him high amounts of stress very frequently. As a result, Mr. Jones suffers from prolonged high blood pressure and turns to alternative methods of "self medication" to cure his troubles such as cocaine and alcohol.
After a long day of work, Frank noticed swelling in his legs and feet and a fluttery, irregular heart beat and became concerned so went to the doctor. The doctor diagnosed him with Dilated Cardiomyopathy, a condition where the left ventricle becomes enlarged, weak and unable to provide enough force to pump the blood to the rest of the body. The doctor examines the patients family history and discovers that a combination of genetics, the patient's drug and alcohol use, age and sex were all contributing to the patient's condition. Fortunately for Mr. Jones, Dilated Cardiomyopathy is a treatable condition. Frank's doctor placed him on ACE inhibitor medications which widen blood vessels to lower blood pressure as well as other medicine to strengthen his heartbeat. In his daily lifestyle, Mr. Jones has improved his diet and stopped drinking and taking drugs as well as starting to exercise regularly.