cardiomyopathy
Pronunciation: kar-dee-oh-my-OP-ah-thee
Disease of the heart muscle causing structural and functional abnormalities, with multiple subtypes requiring specific editorial classification.
Full Definition
A group of diseases affecting the myocardium (heart muscle) that result in structural and functional abnormalities of the heart chambers. Cardiomyopathy encompasses several distinct types including dilated, hypertrophic, restrictive, and arrhythmogenic variants, each with unique pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and treatment approaches. Medical editors must understand these distinctions as they appear in genetic counseling reports, family history documentation, and specialized cardiology consultations. The condition can be primary (genetic or idiopathic) or secondary to other diseases, requiring careful attention to causative factors in clinical documentation.
Usage
Usage note: Always specify the type (dilated, hypertrophic, restrictive, etc.) when mentioned in clinical contexts.
In Context
- "Genetic testing confirmed hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with sarcomere protein mutation." — Genetic counseling report
- "The patient developed dilated cardiomyopathy secondary to chemotherapy treatment." — Oncology-cardiology consultation