What is cardiomyopathy?
Cardiomyopathy (say: “car-dee-oh-my-ah-puh-thee”) is a disease of the muscles in the heart. It can have many causes. It may be caused by coronary artery disease (blocked arteries), high blood pressure, infections, certain medicines, diabetes, thyroid disorders or alcohol abuse. Rarely, cardiomyopathy can happen during the last trimester of pregnancy or the first few months after having a baby.
Source
Cardiomyopathy: An Overview by Randy Wexler, MD, MPH; Terry Elton, PhD; Adam Pleister, MD; and David Feldman, MD, PhD (American Family Physician May 01, 2009, http://www.aafp.org/afp/20090501/778.html)
Written by familydoctor.org editorial staff
Reviewed/Updated: 02/11
Created: 10/09