Types of Cardiomyopathy:

1. Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM):

   • The heart’s ventricles enlarge and weaken, impairing their ability to pump blood efficiently.
   • Common causes include genetic factors, coronary artery disease, alcohol abuse, and viral infections.

2. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM):

   • The heart muscle thickens abnormally, particularly in the ventricles.
   • Often inherited, it can lead to obstructed blood flow and abnormal heart rhythms.
   • HCM is a common cause of sudden cardiac death in young athletes.

3. Restrictive Cardiomyopathy (RCM):

   • The heart muscle becomes rigid and less elastic, preventing the heart from filling properly with blood.
   • Can result from conditions like amyloidosis, sarcoidosis, and hemochromatosis.

4. Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC):

   • Fat and fibrous tissue replace the muscle of the right ventricle, disrupting its function.
   • Typically genetic, ARVC can cause dangerous arrhythmias.

Symptoms:

• Shortness of breath, especially during exertion or when lying down
• Fatigue
• Swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet
• Palpitations
• Dizziness or fainting
• Chest pain

Diagnosis:

• Medical history and physical examination
• Imaging tests such as echocardiograms, MRI, or CT scans
• Electrocardiograms (ECG) to detect electrical abnormalities
• Blood tests and genetic testing

Treatment:

• Medications to manage symptoms and prevent complications, such as beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, diuretics, and antiarrhythmics
• Lifestyle changes, including a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, and avoiding alcohol
• Implantable devices like pacemakers or defibrillators for rhythm management
• Surgical options, such as septal myectomy for HCM or heart transplantation in severe cases

Effective management of cardiomyopathy aims to improve heart function, relieve symptoms, and prevent complications, enhancing the overall quality of life for patients.