What is Cardiomyopathy?

Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle (myocardium) that makes it harder for the heart to pump blood to the rest of the body. It can lead to heart failure or irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias).

Types of Cardiomyopathy:

1. Dilated Cardiomyopathy:

   • The heart chambers enlarge and weaken, reducing the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently.

2. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy:

   • The heart muscle thickens abnormally, making it harder for the heart to work properly.

3. Restrictive Cardiomyopathy:

   • The heart muscle becomes rigid and less elastic, limiting the heart’s ability to fill with blood between beats.

4. Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC):

   • Rare condition where heart muscle is replaced by fatty or fibrous tissue, affecting electrical signals and causing arrhythmias.

Causes:

• Genetic mutations (inherited conditions)

• Long-term high blood pressure

• Heart tissue damage from heart attacks

• Infections or inflammation of the heart

• Alcohol abuse or drug toxicity

• Metabolic diseases such as diabetes or thyroid disorders

Symptoms:

• Shortness of breath

• Fatigue and weakness

• Swelling in legs, ankles, and feet

• Irregular heartbeat or palpitations

• Chest pain or pressure

• Dizziness or fainting

Diagnosis:

• Physical examination

• Electrocardiogram (ECG)

• Echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart)

• MRI of the heart

• Blood tests

• Genetic testing in some cases

Treatment:

• Lifestyle changes (diet, exercise)

• Medications to improve heart function and control symptoms

• Devices like pacemakers or defibrillators

• Surgery or heart transplant in severe cases

Origin & Discovery:

• The term "cardiomyopathy" comes from Greek roots: kardia (heart), myo (muscle), and pathos (disease).

• Recognition of cardiomyopathies as distinct heart diseases evolved throughout the 20th century as medical imaging and pathology improved.

• The first detailed descriptions appeared in the 1950s-1960s, with advances in understanding genetic causes emerging later.