Cardiomyopathy is a condition when your heart muscle size, shape and structure is affected. The most Common cardiomyopathies include Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and Dilated cardiomyopathy.
Most Cardiomyopathy diseases are usually inherited which means it can run in your families. Some members of the family may be affected more than others and some family members may not be affected or have any symptoms.
There are three main types of inherited cardiomyopathy:
Another type of cardiomyopathy, Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, can be caused by extreme stress. This type is not passed on through families and often disappears in time.
Other, specialized types of cardiomyopathy include:
The changes to your heart are different for each type of cardiomyopathy and can affect people differently. They all affect the structure of your heart and reduce its ability to pump blood around the body. They can also affect the way the electrical system makes your heart beat.
