8 Major Heartbreakers

Cardiomyopathy

Illustrated by Echo Medical Media

Cause: The heart’s ability to send blood through the circulatory system is impaired. There are three different types—dilated, hypertrophic, and restrictive cardiomyopathy. In dilated cardiomyopathy, the heart’s left ventricle, the main pumping chamber, becomes enlarged and is less able to function. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy occurs when the heart muscle thickens, decreasing the organ’s ability to move blood. And in restrictive cardiomyopathy, the heart muscle becomes rigid and less flexible.

Prevention: Controlling high blood pressure, diabetes, and weight may help, but unfortunately, there’s no direct way to prevent cardiomyopathy.

If untreated: Half of those who have this condition die within five years.

Remedies: Medication, an implantable defibrillator, and a special kind of pacemaker that assists the heart in contracting can help. Medications also can improve symptoms and manage excessive fluid buildup.

Cutting edge: Stem cell therapy holds promise in helping regenerate damaged heart muscle cells.