Cardiomyopathy

What is cardiomyopathy?

Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle, which is primarily caused by hereditary factors. 

What are the types of cardiomyopathy?

There are various types of cardiomyopathy disease, such as:

• Dilated cardiomyopathy: It is a condition where the heart muscle becomes inflamed and enlarged.
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: This is a condition where the heart muscle is abnormally thick.
• Stress cardiomyopathy (also known as Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy/ 'Broken Heart' Syndrome): This occurs when the heart is weakened after a patient goes through severe emotional stress.
  
• Restrictive Cardiomyopathy: This is a condition when the heart muscle becomes rigid and less compliant.
• Peripartum Cardiomyopathy: This is the rare development cause of heart failure.
  
• Transthyretin Amyloid Cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM): This is a condition where a protein called transthyretin, which circulates in the bloodstream becomes misshapen and builds up in the heart, nerves and other organs, resulting in the walls of the heart become thickened and stiff. 
  
  
  

How is cardiomyopathy diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically starts with a physical examination by a doctor, assessing your medical history and routine tests. Other tests recommended may include:

• Chest X-ray
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Echocardiogram
• Exercise stress test
• Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Cardiac computed tomography (CT)
  
• Cardiac catherization