What is Cardiomyopathy?
Cardiomyopathy refers to a group of diseases that affect the heart muscle, leading to various functional impairments. These conditions can disrupt the heart's ability to pump blood effectively, which may result in heart failure or arrhythmias. Cardiomyopathy can be classified into several types, including:
- Dilated Cardiomyopathy: The most common form, characterized by an enlarged heart chamber and weakened contractions.
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: A genetic condition where the heart muscle thickens, potentially obstructing blood flow.
- Restrictive Cardiomyopathy: The heart muscle becomes stiff, limiting its ability to fill with blood.
- Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy: A rare type that involves the replacement of heart muscle with fatty or fibrous tissue.
Causes of cardiomyopathy can vary and may include genetic factors, prolonged high blood pressure, heart tissue damage from a heart attack, and certain infections. Symptoms often manifest as fatigue, shortness of breath, swelling in the legs, or palpitations.
Diagnosis typically involves a combination of physical examinations, imaging tests like echocardiograms, and sometimes genetic testing. While there is no cure for cardiomyopathy, various treatments, including medications, lifestyle changes, and sometimes surgical interventions, can help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life.