heart and blood vessel disorders
Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathies
Introduction
Cardiomyopathy refers to progressive impairment of the structure and function of the muscular walls of the heart chambers. There are three main types of cardiomyopathy: Dilated Cardiomyopathy , in which the ventricles (the two lower heart chambers) enlarge (dilate) Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy , in which the walls of the ventricles thicken and become stiff Restrictive Cardiomyopathy , in which the walls of the ventricles become stiff but not necessarily thickened Any dilated or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (see Overview of Cardiomyopathy ) can cause changes in the heart that can lead to different Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy Lamin A/C cardiomyopathy Non-compaction cardiomyopathy Cardiac sarcoidosis Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy None Some of these disorders have genetic causes, which are typically inherited mutations. The symptoms of the arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathies include Symptoms itself, along with those of a too slow or too rapid heart beat. Heart failure manifestations include Evaluation typically includes family history, Electrocardiography (ECG), chest x-ray, Close relatives of people with an arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy may be at risk and should be examined by a doctor to look for evidence of heart disease. Relatives may need certain tests as well. Treatment depends on the cause of the cardiomyopathy and the specific rhythm disturbance, but typically includes standard Treatment , 