Cardiomyopathy refers to diseases affecting the heart muscle, causing it to become weakened, enlarged, thickened, or stiff. As the heart muscle becomes abnormal, its ability to pump blood effectively may decrease.
Patients may develop breathlessness, fatigue, palpitations, dizziness, swelling, chest discomfort, or fainting episodes. Some patients may remain symptom-free initially.
Cardiomyopathy can occur due to genetic causes, viral infections, alcohol use, diabetes, uncontrolled hypertension, chemotherapy, or unknown causes. Investigations may include ECG, echocardiography, Holter monitoring, cardiac MRI, and genetic evaluation in selected patients.
Treatment depends on the type and severity of cardiomyopathy and may include medications, lifestyle modification, ICD implantation, CRT therapy, or advanced heart failure treatment.
ESC
