Left Ventricle Non-Compaction Cardiomyopathy (LVNC)
What is Left Ventricle Non-Compaction?
Left Ventricle Non-Compaction (LVNC) is a rare form of cardiomyopathy that is diagnosed by deep grooves in the muscle wall of the lower chambers (ventricles) of the heart. The heart begins as a spongy form of muscle that normally becomes compressed to develop normal coronary circulation around 8 to 10 weeks of development of a baby during pregnacy. With LVNC, the heart muscle appears to be in the form of a sponge instead of tight layers with the spaces removed. The appearance is described as non-compaction as in the presence of a normal heart function or in association with ventricluar dysfunction where the heart muscle does not squeeze or pump normally. There is no immediate cure and it is inoperable. The hope is for improvement over time with medication and correct diet.
What is Cardiomyopathy?
Cardiomyopathy is a chronic and at times a progressive disease in which the heart muscle (myocardium), is abnormally enlarged, thickened, and/or stiffened. The condition typically begins the walls of the hearts lower chambers (ventricles), and in more severe cases also affects the walls of the upper chambers (atria). Cardiomyopathy can affect any adult or child at any stage of their life; no matter the lifestyle. It is a particular rare disease when diagonsed in infants and younger children. Cardiomyopathy continues to be the leading reason for heart transplants in children. Currently there are no reports specifying the total number of children affected but it is estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands when all forms of cardiomyopathy are taken into account.
Left Ventricle Non-Compaction (LVNC) is a rare form of cardiomyopathy that is diagnosed by deep grooves in the muscle wall of the lower chambers (ventricles) of the heart. The heart begins as a spongy form of muscle that normally becomes compressed to develop normal coronary circulation around 8 to 10 weeks of development of a baby during pregnacy. With LVNC, the heart muscle appears to be in the form of a sponge instead of tight layers with the spaces removed. The appearance is described as non-compaction as in the presence of a normal heart function or in association with ventricluar dysfunction where the heart muscle does not squeeze or pump normally. There is no immediate cure and it is inoperable. The hope is for improvement over time with medication and correct diet.
What is Cardiomyopathy?
Cardiomyopathy is a chronic and at times a progressive disease in which the heart muscle (myocardium), is abnormally enlarged, thickened, and/or stiffened. The condition typically begins the walls of the hearts lower chambers (ventricles), and in more severe cases also affects the walls of the upper chambers (atria). Cardiomyopathy can affect any adult or child at any stage of their life; no matter the lifestyle. It is a particular rare disease when diagonsed in infants and younger children. Cardiomyopathy continues to be the leading reason for heart transplants in children. Currently there are no reports specifying the total number of children affected but it is estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands when all forms of cardiomyopathy are taken into account.