Images of Various Heart Diseases
Cardiomyopathy
Common Heart Problems
Diagnosis and Evaluation of Heart Problems

Heart disease is seen frequently in dogs and less commonly in cats. The decreased incidence in cats may be in part that it is often a different type than in dogs and can be harder to recognize. Dogs tend to have more valvular disease, whereas cats have more cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease). The result that most forms of heart disease have in common is that they cause the heart to become a less efficient pump. This affects not only blood pressure, but also circulation to all tissues and organs causing many serious problems.

The first step in treating heart disease is properly diagnosing the specific heart problem; valvular, vascular, rhythm disturbance, cardiomyopathy, etc.

Evaluation of heart problems usually starts with three types of tests:

1. Blood tests determine whether other organ disease is contributing to the heart problem (ex: electrolyte imbalance), or if poor cardiac output is causing other problems (ex: kidney failure).
2. An electrocardiogram (ECG) evaluates the electrical impulses that cause the heart to beat.
3. X-rays can reveal heart enlargement and fluid retention.

Some heart problems are serious and life threatening, but many can be managed simply and successfully with medication and diet. Many heart patients live long, active, happy lives.