About Heart Disease
Heart disease in cats typically results from changes in the heart muscle, known as cardiomyopathy. Most heart conditions involve a decrease in the effective pumping of blood which can lead to a buildup of fluid in the chest and abdomen.
Types of Cardiomyopathy:
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): The most common type, where the heart muscle thickens, reducing the space in the heart chambers, which hampers blood circulation. It can be inherited, caused by other diseases, or occur without a known reason (idiopathic).
Dilated Cardiomyopathy: Causes the heart muscle to become thin and weak.
Restrictive Cardiomyopathy: Scar tissue prevents normal muscle movements.
Although there is no single cause some factors that have been known to contribute include:
Body condition: Overweight cats are more likely to develop heart disease.
Age: Heart conditions in cats occur more frequently with increasing age.
Breed: Ragdoll, British shorthair, Sphynx, Persian and Maine coon are more likely to inherit the disease so pre-breeding screening is recommended.
Hyperthyroidism: Elevated thyroid hormones stimulate an increased heart rate and a stronger contraction of the heart muscle which can cause thickening of heart over time.
High Blood pressure: forces the heart to work harder to pump blood to the rest of the body. This causes the heart to enlarge and thicken.
Taurine deficiency - usually causes dilated cardiomyopathy.
Symptoms
Breathing difficulties (fast or laboured)
Reduced energy
Behavioural changes or hiding
Eating less
Weight loss
Collapsing
Swollen belly
Cold extremities
Pale gums
Heart Murmurs
A heart murmur is an unusual sound caused by blood moving through the heart. While it can indicate heart disease, many cats with murmurs do not have underlying heart disease, and some with heart disease may not have a murmur.
Diagnosis
Blood Tests: General health screen and specific tests for heart muscle changes.
Blood Pressure Measurement
Electrocardiography (EKG): Assesses heart rhythm.
Echocardiography (Ultrasound): Visually assesses the heart and measures its function.
Treatment
There is no cure for heart disease in cats, and treatments to slow progression are limited. Management often includes medication and regular monitoring.
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
Heart failure is the advanced stage of heart disease, where the heart can no longer cope with the body's demands. Symptoms are similar to heart disease but may also include:
Cold ears and paws
Weakness
Difficulty using back legs (due to blood clots)
A low-pitched cough that sometimes leads to gagging
Breathing difficulties that include shortness of breath
Reduced ability to exercise
Noticeable weight gain or loss
Swelling in the abdomen
Heart failure cannot be cured, but symptoms can be managed with veterinary guidance. Some side effects, like blood clots or fluid buildup, can cause pain. Vets can provide treatments to alleviate discomfort.
Nutrition
Proper nutrition is crucial for managing heart disease in cats. The right diet can support overall health and well-being, even when treatments cannot reverse the condition.
Protein- Highly palatable, protein-rich foods can slow or reverse muscle loss from the disease and associated poor appetite.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids - Important for reducing inflammation and muscle breakdown in congestive heart failure (CHF).
Potassium and Magnesium - To maintain heart and nerve function.
B-Vitamins - Cats with HCM, especially those on diuretics often have lower blood levels of B6, B12, and folic acid as B-vitamins are water-soluble and lost in urine.
Sodium - lower sodium levels in the later stages of congestive heart failure (CHF)can help reduce fluid build up.
How Marro can Support those with Heart Disease
Marro food has a couple of benefits for those felines diagnosed with a heart condition especially those on diuretic medication to reduce fluid build up.
High in Protein and highly palatable to help assist with reducing muscle loss caused by a reduced appetite. (Please see our feeding guide for extra tips to encourage food intake)
Our Golden Gravy for hydration to help with extra water loss through urine caused by diuretics.
Brewers Yeast which is high in B-vitamins and folic acid which helps replenish those vitamins lost in excess urine caused by diuretics.
Salmon Oil which is high in Omega-3 fatty acids helps reduce inflammation and muscle breakdown. It can also increase the strength of heart contractions and improve circulation as well as their skin and coat which can lacklustre due to dry skin caused by excess water loss.
Please always seek veterinary advice regarding any diet your cat goes on for heart related health benefits especially diets extremely low in sodium as drastically reducing the amount of sodium in your cats diet can cause other issues.