Cardiomyopathy

ARTICLE SECTIONS

Introduction Signs and symptoms Causes When to seek medical advice Screening and diagnosis

Complications Treatment Prevention Self-care

Introduction

Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle. There are three main types of cardiomyopathy — dilated, hypertrophic and restrictive — all of which affect your heart's muscle, often making it difficult to pump blood and deliver it to the rest of your body. There are many causes of cardiomyopathy, including coronary artery disease and valvular heart disease.

Cardiomyopathy can be treated. The type of treatment you'll receive depends on which type of cardiomyopathy you have and how serious it is. Your treatment may include medications, surgically implanted devices or, in severe cases, a heart transplant.

NEXT:

Signs and symptoms