Cardiomyopathies: Classification, Evaluation and Treatment

Cardiomyopathy refers to a set of diseases which affect the heart muscle. Common symptoms include swelling of the lower extremities, shortness of breath, fainting, irregular heartbeat and increased tiredness. Individuals with cardiomyopathy are at a higher risk of sudden cardiac death. Some types of cardiomyopathy are dilated cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia, restrictive cardiomyopathy, takotsubo cardiomyopathy, etc. A cardiomyopathy is determined through a physical examination, blood test, ECG, echocardiogram, genetic testing, etc. The treatment of cardiomyopathy depends on the type of the cardiomyopathy and its symptoms, which are treatable through medications, lifestyle changes and surgery. Pacemakers, defibrillators and ventricular assist devices are some of the tools used for the management of abnormal heart rates, fatal heart rhythms and heart failure. These are therefore useful for the treatment of cardiomyopathies. This book is a compilation of chapters that discuss the most vital concepts and principles in the classification, evaluation and treatment of cardiomyopathies. The various advancements in this domain are glanced at and their implications as well as ramifications are looked at in detail. This book aims to equip students and cardiologists with the advanced topics and upcoming concepts in this area.