Cardiomyopathy refers to abnormalities of the structure or function of the heart muscle. There are 3 major types of cardiomyopathy: dilated congestive, hypertrophic, and restrictive. The most commonly encountered form is dilated congestive cardiomyopathy (DCM). In this type of cardiomyopathy, the heart muscle is damaged, commonly as a result of coronary artery disease, and gradually loses its efficiency as a pump.
DCM can be triggered by diabetes, alcohol abuse, infections, exposure to certain drugs and toxins, nutritional deficiencies, connective tissue diseases, hereditary disorders, and pregnancy. Although rare in developed countries, protein-calorie malnutrition may cause cardiomyopathy. Cardiomyopathy is a serious health condition and requires expert medical care.
Restrictive cardiomyopathy is usually due to a connective tissue disease, cancer, or an autoimmune condition. Both hypertrophic and restrictive cardiomyopathies are relatively uncommon.