What is Cardiomyopathy?

Cardiomyopathy means that there is a problem with the heart muscle itself. As a result, the heart does not function normally. The problem may be thickening (hypertrophy) or stiffening of the heart's walls. Or the problem may be stretching (dilation) of the heart's chambers, causing the heart to enlarge.

Cardiomyopathy does not always produce heart failure because the heart may still be able to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. Whether cardiomyopathy leads to heart failure depends partly on the cause. If an infection is the cause and it can be treated effectively and early, cardiomyopathy may resolve. Drinking too much alcohol can also cause cardiomyopathy in susceptible people. If such people stop drinking alcohol, cardiomyopathy may resolve or not progress. However, cardiomyopathy in older people usually leads to heart failure sooner or later, because the causes are usually chronic disorders. Coronary artery disease and high blood pressure are common causes.

Cardiomyopathy can usually be detected by echocardiography (ultrasonography of the heart). Sometimes more invasive procedures, such as cardiac catheterization, are needed to confirm the diagnosis.