Case Studies in Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy refers to a group of diseases that affect the heart muscles. Such diseases impair the ability of the heart to pump blood efficiently. In some cases, the heart rhythm may also be disrupted. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, restrictive cardiomyopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy, transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM), and arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD) are the most common types of cardiomyopathies. In the early stages of development of cardiomyopathy, there may be no symptoms or signs of cardiomyopathy. However, as the disease progresses, symptoms and signs start to show up. Common symptoms include bloating of the abdomen due to fluid buildup, exhaustion, breathlessness during activity or at rest, and coughing while lying down. Tests like electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG), ambulatory monitoring, myocardial biopsy, and exercise stress test are used to diagnose cardiomyopathy. The treatment of cardiomyopathies may include either or a combination of lifestyle modifications, surgery, and medications. These treatments can alleviate symptoms, reduce difficulties, and ensure that the disease does not progress. This book presents case studies on cardiomyopathies in the most comprehensible and easy-to-understand language. A number of latest researches have been included to keep the readers up-to-date with the global concepts in this medical condition.