Cardiomyopathy

Question 1

Define cardiomyopathy.

Answer 1

Primary disease of the myocardium. Cardiomyopathy can be split into three different categories, dilated, hypertrophic and restrictive.

Question 2

Explain the aetiology/risk factors of dilated cardiomyopathy.

Answer 2

Flabby heart of unknown cause.

• Alcohol
• Hypertension
• Viral infection
• Autoimmune

Question 3

Explain the aetiology/risk factors of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Answer 3

Obstruction of outflow tract from asymmetric septal hypertrophy.

• Inherited (autosomal dominant)

Question 4

Explain the aetiology/risk factors of restrictive cardiomyopathy.

Answer 4

• Amyloidosis
• Haemochromatosis
• Sarcoidosis
• Scleroderma

Question 5

Summarise the epidemiology of cardiomyopathy.

Answer 5

Dilated cardiomyopathy is the most common form and affects five in 100,000 adults and 0.57 in 100,000 children. It is the third leading cause of heart failure in the United States behind coronary artery disease (CAD) and hypertension.

Question 6

Recognise the presenting symptoms of cardiomyopathy. Recognise the signs of cardiomyopathy on physical examination.

Answer 6

Angina
Dyspnoea
Syncope
Sudden death

Question 7

Identify appropriate investigations for cardiomyopathy and interpret the results.

Answer 7

ECG
Echocardiogram.
MRI scan.
Heart rhythm monitor (24 or 48-hour ECG monitor)
Exercise tests
Family tree/genetic screening