Cardiomyopathy

Definition

Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle that makes it harder for your heart to pump blood to the rest of your body.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Cardiomyopathy refers to a group of diseases that affect the myocardium (the heart muscle) and lead to abnormal heart function. It can result from various causes, including genetic mutations, nutritional deficiencies, and other conditions. The disease is categorized into different types such as dilated, hypertrophic, and restrictive cardiomyopathy, each affecting heart muscle function in distinctive ways.

Benefits

• Understanding cardiomyopathy can help in early detection and management of heart health issues.
• It provides insight into the importance of heart-healthy nutrition and lifestyle.
• Awareness can guide preventive measures to reduce risk factors associated with cardiovascular diseases.

Examples

• Consulting a doctor when experiencing signs like shortness of breath or fatigue, which may relate to cardiomyopathy.
• Following a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins to support overall cardiovascular health.

Additional Information

• importance: Understanding cardiomyopathy is crucial as it can lead to severe complications such as heart failure or arrhythmias, necessitating lifestyle alterations and medical management.

Related Terms

• Heart Failure
• Arrhythmia
• Hypertension
• Atherosclerosis

References

• Cardiomyopathy - Symptoms and causes
• What is Cardiomyopathy?