[Idiopathic cardiomyopathy]

Abstract

Cardiomyopathies are defined as diseases of the myocardium associated with cardiac dysfunction. They are classified as dilated cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, restrictive cardiomyopathy. Dilated cardiomyopathy is characterized by dilatation and impaired contraction of the ventricles. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is characterized by ventricular hypertrophy, which is usually asymmetric. Restrictive cardiomyopathy is characterized by restrictive filling and reduced diastolic function, with normal systolic function and wall thickness. Except for cardiac failure, sudden death from arrhythmia is the leading cause of death among cardiomyopathy patients. ACE inhibitors and beta blockers are effective medicine for cardiac failure patients. However sudden death rate of cardiomyopathy patients is still high. Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator could save many cardiomyopathy patients from sudden death according to a lot of trials.