Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle. In most cases, it causes the heart muscle to become weak and ineffective. When the heart can no longer pump enough blood to meet the needs of the body, it is called heart failure.

Types 

There are three major types of cardiomyopathy.

Dilated cardiomyopathy (often called congestive heart failure or CHF) is the most common. The heart muscle becomes damaged and enlarged, therefore less effective. This can in turn lead to heart failure. Fluid builds up in the lungs and often in the abdomen and ankles, leading to swelling in these areas.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a genetic disorder that causes muscle cells to grow within the ventricles – the lower parts of the heart. The thickened heart muscle can lead to problems pumping enough blood through the body, and it places greater strain on the heart.

Restrictive cardiomyopathy is a rare condition where abnormal cells, protein, or scar tissue develop inside the heart, often after a heart transplant. This leads to stiffening of the heart tissue, and the heart cannot fill as much as it should. Blood is backed up in the lungs and swelling occurs, making it harder to breathe.

Treatment

Cardiomyopathy cannot usually be completely cured. However, it can be controlled or managed by treatments including medication, pacemakers and implantable defibrillators.