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What is Cardiomyopathy?

The Basics

Main Types :

Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle itself. It makes the heart muscle
become enlarged, thick, or rigid. As the condition gets worse, the heart becomes weaker and is less able to pump blood through the body and maintain a normal electrical rhythm. This can lead to heart failure.

  • Dilated Cardiomyopathy : The heart's main pumping chamber (left ventricle) becomes enlarged (dilated) and stretched out. Its walls become thin and weak, so it can't pump blood effectively.

  • Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy : The heart muscle becomes abnormally thick. This
    thickening makes it harder for the heart to pump blood and can also block blood flow out of the heart. This type is often inherited.

  • Restrictive Cardiomyopathy : The heart muscle becomes stiff and less flexible. It can't relax and fill up with blood properly between beats.

Common Symptoms:

  • Breathlessness with exertion or even when resting

  • Swelling of the legs, ankles, and feet due to fluid buildup

  • Fatigue and generalized weakness

  • Rapid or irregular heartbeats

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