Cardiomyopathy means a disease of the heart muscle. When the heart has a cardiomyopathy, it does not work normally. This can be a very serious condition. In some cases, doctors can determine the cause of a cardiomyopathy. When they can, the cardiomyopathy is called a secondary cardiomyopathy. Causes of a secondary cardiomyopathy include:
* high blood pressure,
* disease of the heart valves,
* disease of the coronary arteries,
* overuse of alcohol, and
* infections.

If no cause can be found, the disease is called a primary cardiomyopathy.

There are three major kinds of cardiomyopathy:
* The most common form of cardiomyopathy is congestive cardiomyopathy. In this disease the heart is stretched like a balloon. Since the heart is enlarged, it cannot pump blood very well. The cause can be coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, infection, or drugs, including alcohol. The symptoms are shortness of breath and weakness. Many people with this condition develop congestive heart failure. These persons need to be treated with medicines.
* In hypertrophic cardiomyopathy the muscle of the left side of the heart is thicker than normal. Sometimes the wall between the left and right side is also thickened. In this case, the thick heart muscle may interfere with blood flow. The cause may be unknown. In many cases, it is hereditary. The disease can cause dizziness, chest pain, shortness of breath, or an irregular heartbeat. Drugs are given to slow the heart's contraction.
* The least common form is restrictive cardiomyopathy. The heart muscle becomes stiff and does not pump blood effectively. Usually, this is caused by some other disease, such as amyloid. The success of treatment depends on the disease causing the problem. Restrictive cardiomyopathy can be very difficult to treat.

For more information, contact your local American Heart Association office or call (800) 242-8721.

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