Cardiomyopathy definition
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Cardiomyopathy Definition and Key Characteristics
Cardiomyopathy refers to a group of diseases where the heart muscle (myocardium) becomes structurally and functionally abnormal, leading to impaired mechanical or electrical function of the heart. This condition is not primarily caused by other heart diseases such as coronary artery disease, hypertension, valvular disease, or congenital heart disease, and often results in heart failure, arrhythmias, or other complications 123510.
Types and Classification of Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathies are classified into several main types based on their structural and functional characteristics:
- Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM): Characterized by dilation and impaired contraction of the left or both ventricles, not explained by abnormal loading conditions or coronary artery disease 3489.
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): Involves thickening of the heart muscle, often genetic, and is a leading cause of sudden cardiac death in young athletes 346.
- Restrictive Cardiomyopathy (RCM): Marked by increased stiffness of the heart muscle, leading to restricted filling of the ventricles, while the size of the ventricles remains normal 347.
- Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy (ARVC): Characterized by replacement of heart muscle with fibrofatty tissue, leading to arrhythmias 146.
- Other Forms: These include takotsubo (stress-induced) cardiomyopathy and channelopathies, which are disorders of the heart’s electrical channels 4610.
Causes and Etiology of Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathies can be:
- Primary: Due to genetic, mixed, or acquired factors directly affecting the heart muscle 23610.
- Secondary: Resulting from systemic diseases, toxins, infections, autoimmune or metabolic disorders 12369.
Clinical Presentation and Symptoms
Symptoms of cardiomyopathy often overlap with those of heart failure and may include:
Diagnosis and Management
Diagnosis typically involves a combination of:
- Medical history and physical examination
- Blood tests and genetic testing
- Electrocardiography (ECG)
- Echocardiography and other imaging techniques 2378
Treatment focuses on:
- Managing heart failure symptoms with medications (ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, diuretics)
- Device therapy (implantable cardioverter-defibrillators, cardiac resynchronization therapy)
- Heart transplantation in severe cases
- Lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, avoiding alcohol and smoking) 12389
Conclusion
Cardiomyopathy is a diverse group of heart muscle diseases that can lead to significant health problems, including heart failure and sudden cardiac death. Early diagnosis and tailored treatment are crucial for improving outcomes and quality of life for affected individuals 12346.
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