Cardiomyopathy refers to a set of disorders that affect the heart muscle, reducing its capacity to pump blood efficiently. This disease can cause cardiac failure and other severe problems. Cardiomyopathy is classified into four types: dilated, hypertrophic, restricted, and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, each with unique characteristics and implications.
Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is a less frequent kind that mostly affects the right ventricle, resulting in the replacement of heart muscle by fibrous or fatty tissue. This can lead to arrhythmias and an increased risk of sudden cardiac death. ARVC is typically hereditary and can cause palpitations, dizziness, and fainting. Arrhythmia medicines may be used in conjunction with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) to avoid abrupt cardiac events.
Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is characterized by cardiac muscle stiffness, which limits the heart's ability to fill with blood between beats. This type can be caused by disorders like amyloidosis or hemochromatosis, in which aberrant deposits in the heart muscle impair its function. Symptoms include weariness, shortness of breath, and fluid retention. Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause and relieving symptoms, which frequently includes drugs to control heart failure and other related problems.
References
"Cardiomyopathy." Mayo Clinic, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cardiomyopathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20350789. Accessed 15 Sept. 2024.
"Cardiomyopathy." American Heart Association, https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cardiomyopathy. Accessed 15 Sept. 2024.
"Cardiomyopathy." National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/cardiomyopathy. Accessed 15 Sept. 2024.
"Cardiomyopathy." Cleveland Clinic, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16826-cardiomyopathy. Accessed 15 Sept. 2024.
Written by Darshana Srivatsan from MEDILOQUY