Cardiomyopathy

A group of diseases affecting the heart muscle

Cardiomyopathy refers to a group of diseases that affect the heart muscle (myocardium), leading to impaired cardiac function. These conditions can result in heart failure, arrhythmias, and other serious complications. Cardiomyopathy can be classified into several types based on the underlying cause and the specific changes in the heart muscle.

Types of Cardiomyopathy

Dilated Cardiomyopathy

File:Dilated cardiomyopathy.jpg

Diagram of a heart with dilated cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is characterized by the enlargement and weakening of the heart's ventricles. This condition often leads to reduced ejection fraction, meaning the heart cannot pump blood efficiently. Causes of DCM include genetic mutations, viral infections, and exposure to toxins such as alcohol or certain chemotherapy drugs.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

File:Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.jpg

Diagram of a heart with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) involves the thickening of the heart muscle, particularly the interventricular septum. This thickening can obstruct blood flow and lead to arrhythmias. HCM is often inherited and is the most common cause of sudden cardiac death in young athletes.

Restrictive Cardiomyopathy

Restrictive cardiomyopathy is characterized by the stiffening of the heart muscle, which restricts the heart's ability to fill with blood. This type is less common and can be caused by conditions such as amyloidosis, sarcoidosis, and hemochromatosis.

Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is a genetic disorder where the heart muscle is replaced by fatty and fibrous tissue, primarily affecting the right ventricle. This can lead to arrhythmias and an increased risk of sudden cardiac death.

Unclassified Cardiomyopathy

Some forms of cardiomyopathy do not fit neatly into the above categories and are considered unclassified. These may include conditions like left ventricular non-compaction and stress-induced cardiomyopathy (also known as Takotsubo cardiomyopathy).

Symptoms

The symptoms of cardiomyopathy can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Common symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Swelling of the legs, ankles, and feet (edema)
• Irregular heartbeats (palpitations)
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Chest pain

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cardiomyopathy typically involves a combination of:

• Echocardiography
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Genetic testing
• Blood tests

Treatment

Treatment for cardiomyopathy depends on the type and severity of the condition. Options may include:

• Medications such as beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and diuretics
• Implantable devices like pacemakers or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs)
• Lifestyle changes, including dietary modifications and exercise
• Surgical options, such as septal myectomy or heart transplantation in severe cases

Related pages

• Heart failure
• Arrhythmia
• Heart transplantation
• Echocardiography