Cardiomyopathies describe a heterogeneous group of diseases affecting the myocardium.
Cardiomyopathy can be secondary to secondary to ischemic disease, hypertension, and valvular disease, or primary (intrinsic; will be discussed in this article).
Classification
- Dilated cardiomyopathy
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Restrictive cardiomyopathy
Dilated cardiomyopathy
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DC) is characterized by progressive dilation and systolic dysfunction (the heart fails to pump properly).
- The course is typically gradual, and the symptoms depend on the affected side.
- Right ventricular dysfunction appears with elevated venous pressure, prominent a wave in JVP, peripheral edema, hepatosplenomegaly.
- Left ventricular dysfunction appears with reduced CO, dyspnea, fatigue, and syncope.
- On both sides, intramural thrombosis and arrhythmias may occur.
Etiology
- Genetics. Mutations affecting cardiomyocyte proteins and (rarely) mitochondria.
- Infections. Myocarditis due to viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections. Coxackievirus is the most common in the developed