Cardiomyopathy literally means disease of the heart muscle. Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle. This leads to impairment of the heart's ability to pump blood, and eventually to heart failure. The name comes from the roots cardio meaning "heart," myo meaning "muscle" and pathy meaning "disease." The known causes of cardiomyopathy are many, and include coronary artery disease and valvular heart disease.
http://www.dreddyclinic.com/findinformation/cc/cardiomyopathy.phpcoronary artery disease
Heart failure
Cardiomyopathy occurs in three major types:
Dilated cardiomyopathy. This type involves enlargement of one or more of your heart's chambers.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This form involves thickening of your heart's muscle.
Restrictive cardiomyopathy. This type results in your heart muscle becoming more rigid.
You can take steps to reduce your risk of developing cardiomyopathy. If you have the condition, treatment depends on what type you have and may include medications, implantable devices or, in severe cases, a heart transplant.
Signs and symptoms
Some people who develop cardiomyopathy may have no signs and symptoms in the early stages of the disease. But as the condition advances, signs and symptoms usually appear. These signs and symptoms are those most commonly associated with the syndrome called congestive heart failure. They may include:
Swelling of the extremities
Distention of the abdomen with fluid
Breathlessness with exertion or even at rest
Fatigue
Irregular heart rhythm
Dizziness, lightheadedness and fainting during physical activity
No matter what type of cardiomyopathy you have, signs and symptoms tend to progress over time unless treated. In certain people, this deterioration accelerates rapidly, while in others, the disease may reach a plateau and stabilize for a long period of time. In some cases of dilated cardiomyopathy, the disease may improve on its own completely.
coronary artery disease
Fatigue
Heart failure
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http://www.dreddyclinic.com/findinformation/cc/cardiomyopathy.php
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