Cardiomiopatía

Cardiomiopatía refers to a group of diseases that affect the heart muscle, making it harder for the heart to pump blood to the rest of the body. These conditions can lead to heart failure, arrhythmias, and an increased risk of sudden cardiac death. Cardiomyopathies are broadly classified into several types, primarily based on the structural and functional changes in the heart muscle.

Dilated cardiomyopathy is characterized by an enlarged and weakened left ventricle, which impairs the heart's ability to pump blood effectively. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy involves the thickening of the heart muscle, particularly the left ventricle, which can obstruct blood flow and cause arrhythmias. Restrictive cardiomyopathy is the least common type, where the heart muscle becomes stiff and less flexible, hindering the heart's ability to fill with blood between beats. Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy is a condition where fatty and fibrous tissue replaces normal heart muscle in the right ventricle, leading to potentially life-threatening arrhythmias.

The causes of cardiomyopathy are varied and can include genetic factors, prolonged high blood pressure, valvular heart disease, infections, alcohol abuse, and certain chemotherapy drugs. In some cases, the cause remains unknown, a condition known as idiopathic cardiomyopathy.

Symptoms of cardiomyopathy can vary depending on the type and severity but often include shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet, irregular heartbeats, and chest pain. Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, and sometimes cardiac MRI or biopsy.

Treatment aims to manage symptoms, slow disease progression, and prevent complications. This may involve medications to improve heart function, control blood pressure, and reduce fluid buildup. In more severe cases, devices like pacemakers or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) may be necessary, and heart transplantation is an option for end-stage heart failure.