cardiomyopathy
Disease of the heart muscle that impairs the heart's ability to pump blood effectively.
Full Definition
A group of disorders affecting the myocardium, characterized by structural and functional abnormalities that are not explained by coronary artery disease, hypertension, valvular disease, or congenital heart disease. Major types include dilated cardiomyopathy (enlarged, weakened heart), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (thickened heart muscle), restrictive cardiomyopathy (stiff heart muscle), and arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (replacement of muscle with fibrous tissue). Pathological features vary by type but may include myocyte hypertrophy, fibrosis, and inflammatory infiltrates.
Usage
Usage note: Specify the type (dilated, hypertrophic, restrictive) when known for precision.
In Context
- "Endomyocardial biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy with extensive fibrosis." — Pathology consultation
- "Family screening revealed hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in three first-degree relatives." — Genetic counseling report