Cardiomyopathy

Also called congestive cardiomyopathy), this is the most common form of the disease. It affects the chambers of the heart by weakening their walls. In most cases, doctors do not know the cause of dilated cardiomyopathy. When the cause is unknown, it is called idiopathic

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

The second most common form of cardiomyopathy, it causes a thickening of the heart's walls. Most often, it is an inherited disease, but sometimes the cause is not clear. It can affect people of all ages.

Restrictive Cardiomyopathy

Rare in the United States, restrictive cardiomyopathy gets its name because it restricts the heart from stretching properly, which limits the amount of blood that can fill the heart's chambers.

Cardiac Ischemia

The temporary blockage or narrowing of an artery leading to the heart. In most cases, it causes pain in the chest (called angina pectoris). In certain other cases, there is no pain. These cases are called silent ischemia.

Ischemic Cardiomyopathy

The loss or weakening of heart muscle tissue caused by ischemia or silent ischemia. The ischemia usually results from coronary artery disease and heart attacks. Treatment is similar to that for other forms of cardiomyopathy, with special attention to treating coronary artery disease. For patients whose hearts have been seriously damaged by ischemic cardiomyopathy, doctors may recommend that a heart transplant be considered.

Although cardiomyopathy is one of the less frequent forms of heart disease, it's still important to be aware of the role heredity plays in the disease and to be familiar with its symptoms. Check your family's medical history to learn if you are at risk. Even if nobody in your family has cardiomyopathy, you need to know the warning signs:

Unexplained shortness of breath,

Bloating,

Fainting,

Chest pains.