Common Types of Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy is generally categorized into two main groups: primary and secondary cardiomyopathies. Primary cardiomyopathies are those that originate mainly in the heart muscle itself, while secondary types are the result of systemic conditions or other diseases that affect the heart. Among these, primary cardiomyopathies are more frequently diagnosed.

Types of Primary Cardiomyopathy

1. Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy is the most common form of primary cardiomyopathy with no identifiable cause. It is characterized by the enlargement of the left ventricle or both ventricles, along with a weakened ability of the heart to pump blood effectively. This condition can lead to heart failure and other complications if not properly managed.

2. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy involves abnormal thickening of the heart muscle, particularly in the left ventricle and the interventricular septum. This thickening can make it harder for the heart to pump blood and may also cause obstruction to blood flow. In some cases, it can lead to arrhythmias or sudden cardiac arrest, especially in young individuals.

3. Restrictive Cardiomyopathy

Restrictive cardiomyopathy, sometimes referred to as obliterative cardiomyopathy, is marked by the stiffening of the heart muscle due to fibrosis of the endocardium or subendocardial layers. This stiffness restricts the heart's ability to fill with blood properly, and in severe cases, the heart chambers may shrink or become completely closed off. This type is less common and often presents more severe symptoms.

4. Rare Variants

Other less common types of primary cardiomyopathy include arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), which affects the right ventricle and can cause dangerous arrhythmias, as well as unclassified and noncompaction cardiomyopathy, which involve structural abnormalities of the heart muscle.

Secondary Cardiomyopathies

Secondary cardiomyopathies are caused by external factors or other diseases that impact the heart. Examples include Keshan disease, a condition linked to selenium deficiency; peripartum cardiomyopathy, which occurs during or after pregnancy; cardiac amyloidosis, where abnormal proteins build up in the heart tissue; and alcoholic cardiomyopathy, caused by long-term heavy alcohol use. Other secondary forms may be associated with conditions like sarcoidosis and other systemic diseases that affect heart function.