cardiomiopátia

Cardiomiopatia is a group of diseases that affect the heart muscle, leading to its instability and potential failure. The condition occurs when the heart's ability to pump blood is compromised due to the muscle's lack of flexibility. As a result, the heart is less able to adapt to changes in blood volume or pressure, leading to problems in maintaining a stable heart rate.

There are several forms of cardiomiopatia, and they are broadly classified into primary and secondary types. Primary cardiomiopathia occurs when the root cause is an intrinsic defect of the heart muscle itself. Secondary cardiomiopathia, on the other hand, results from an extrinsic factor, such as long-term hypertension or anabolic steroid use.

One of the key features of cardiomiopatia is its potential for progression to severe heart failure. This can result from a combination of factors, including abnormal heart muscle contraction, fibrosis of the heart muscle, and abnormal electrical conduction within the heart.

In some cases, cardiomiopatia may be the result of genetics. Duchenne muscular dystrophy, for example, is a condition where the dystrophin gene is mutated, leading to the breakdown of muscle fibers and eventually cardiomyopathy. Familial cardiomiopathia, a relatively rare condition, is caused by an autosomal dominant mutation.

Diagnosis often relies on a combination of medical history, physical exams, electrocardiograms (ECGs), echocardiograms, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Treatment can involve medications, lifestyle modification, and, in severe cases, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) or mechanical circulatory support devices.