WHAT IS CARDIOMYOPATHY?

Cardiomyopathy is a condition of the heart muscle that affects its structure and function, sometimes leading to heart failure or arrhythmias.

Genetic mutations, infections such as viral myocarditis, long-term high blood pressure, alcohol or drug toxicity, chemotherapy or metabolic and endocrine disorders can cause it.

There are several types of cardiomyopathy.

• Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM): The heart chambers enlarge and weaken, reducing the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively.
  

• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM): The heart muscle, often the septum, thickens and may obstruct blood flow.
  

• Restrictive cardiomyopathy: The heart becomes stiff, making it difficult to fill with blood despite normal contraction.
  

• Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC): Heart muscle is replaced by fibrous or fatty tissue, increasing the risk of arrhythmias.
  

• Left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy: Characterized by a spongy appearance of the left ventricular muscle, which can affect contraction.
  

• Ischemic cardiomyopathy: Caused by reduced blood flow to the heart, often after a heart attack, leading to weakened heart muscle.
  

• Takotsubo cardiomyopathy: Also called “stress cardiomyopathy,” usually triggered by physical or emotional stress and results in temporary weakening of the heart muscle.
  

• Peripartum cardiomyopathy: Develops during pregnancy or shortly after delivery, leading to heart enlargement and reduced pumping function.
  

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

Symptoms can include fatigue, shortness of breath, swelling in the legs or abdomen, palpitations, and fainting. Diagnosis usually involves echocardiography, cardiac MRI, ECG, genetic testing, and occasionally a biopsy. 

WHAT DOES TREATMENT LOOK LIKE?

Treatment includes medications (ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, diuretics), lifestyle modifications, implantation of ICDs or pacemakers, septal reduction procedures for HCM, cardiac rehabilitation, and in severe cases, heart transplant.