cardiomyopathy
Pronunciation: car-dee-oh-my-OP-ah-thee
Disease of the heart muscle that affects the heart's ability to pump blood effectively.
Full Definition
Cardiomyopathy refers to diseases of the heart muscle (myocardium) that impair the heart's ability to pump blood effectively. There are several types including dilated cardiomyopathy (enlarged, weakened heart), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (thickened heart muscle), and restrictive cardiomyopathy (stiff heart muscle). These conditions can be inherited, acquired due to other diseases, or idiopathic (unknown cause). Symptoms may include shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, and heart failure. Treatment varies based on the type and severity.
Usage
Usage note: Always specify type when known (dilated, hypertrophic, restrictive); distinguish from myocarditis.
In Context
- "Genetic testing revealed hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with sarcomere mutations." — Genetics clinic consultation
- "The patient developed dilated cardiomyopathy secondary to chemotherapy treatment." — Cardio-oncology assessment