Cardiomyopathy refers to diseases of the heart muscle. The diseases have a variety of causes, signs and treatments. When cardiomyopathy occurs, the heart muscle can become enlarged or abnormally thick or stiff.
As the disease progresses the heart can become weaker and less able to function correctly. This can lead to heart failure, arrhythmias, fluid buildup in the lungs or legs, and, infections of the hart and heart attack.
The four main types of cardiomyopathy are as follows:
Dilated cardiomyopathy
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Restrictive cardiomyopathy
Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia
Cardiomyopathy can be caused by damage to the heart from a heart attack, high blood pressure, or a viral infection. Some types of cardiomyopathy can be brought on by a genetic situation. In a lot of cases the cause is unknown.
Cardiomyopathy can happen to anyone of any age. However, certain age groups are more likely to suffer from the disease. Treatment can be done with medicines, surgery, non-surgical procedures, and lifestyle changes.
Some people live normal lives even with cardiomyopathy and some don’t even know that they have it. In others the disease develops rapidly, symptoms are severe, and serious complications can develop.
Make sure to discuss any concerns with your physician.