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What Is Cardiomyopathy?

Cardiomyopathy means a "weak heart muscle." A heart with cardiomyopathy does not work normally. This can be a very serious condition.

In some cases, the cause of cardiomyopathy may be:

• high blood pressure
• disease of the heart valves
• disease of the arteries that supply blood to the heart
• overuse of alcohol or drugs and
• infections

There are 3 major forms of cardiomyopathy, dilated (also known as congestive) hypertrophic, and restrictive. Dilated is the most common. The heart enlarges like a balloon full of air. As a result, it cannot pump blood very well. The symptoms are shortness of breath and weakness. Many people with this condition develop congestive heart failure. Medications are used for treatment.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is marked by a thicker than normal wall of muscle on the left side of the heart. Sometimes the wall between the left and right side is also thicker. The cause may be inherited or unknown. The thick heart muscle can interfere with blood flow. Symptoms are dizziness, chest pain, shortness of breath, or an irregular heartbeat. Medications are given to slow the heart's contraction.

In restrictive cardiomyopathy, the heart muscle becomes stiff and does not pump blood effectively. This form is very difficult to treat.

For more information, speak with your health care provider. If your health care provider would like to refer you to a cardiologist, ask for a referral to a Saint Vincent Heart Center cardiac specialist. Information is also available by contacting your local chapter of the American Heart Association or call the national office at (800) 242-8721 or visit their website at www.americanheart.org.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. HIL File CARD4291.RF2 VRS# 6101 Data Version 7.0
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