Cardiomyopathy is an abnormal condition of the heart, in which the heart muscle can become progressively weak and is unable to contract effectively.
Depending on the reason for the heart muscle weakness, cardiomyopathy can be of the following types.
- Dilated Cardiomyopathy: This is an abnormal condition of the heart, in which the heart muscle progressively stretches and becomes thinner. Thinning of the heart muscle leads to increased space in the heart chambers, with consequent dilation of heart. Also, thinning of heart muscle with dilation of the chambers, render the heart increasingly weaker, reduce ability to contract effectively, and lead to dilated cardiomyopathy.
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: This is an abnormal condition of the heart, in which the heart muscle progressively hypertrophies and becomes thicker. Thickening of the heart muscle leads to decreased space in the heart chambers, with compromised ability to accommodate blood and consequently, reduces the output of blood during contraction of heart. Also, thickening of heart muscle with reduced ability of the heart chambers to hold blood, render the heart increasingly weaker, reduce ability to contract effectively, and result in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
- Restrictive Cardiomyopathy: This is an abnormal condition of the heart, in which the heart muscle progressively becomes rigid and stiff. Increased rigidity and stiffening of the heart muscle reduces the space in the heart chambers, lead to compromised ability to accommodate blood and consequently, reduces the output of blood during contraction of heart. Also, rigidity and stiffening of heart muscle with reduced ability of the heart chambers to hold blood, render the heart increasingly weaker, reduce ability to contract effectively, and result in restrictive cardiomyopathy.
