Cardiomyopathy is a condition of weakening of the heart muscle. Such weakening decreases the heart's ability to receive and pump blood to supply the needs of the body for oxygen and nutrients. Cardiomyopathy can affect men and women of all ages.
Many people have no knowledge of any prior heart problems.
Other people may notice their first symptoms some time after a heart attack, a viral illness, or delivering a baby. Usually the weakness takes years to develop, but occasionally cardiomyopathy can lead to an enlarged heart within weeks. For some patients, coronary artery disease or poor function nof the heart's valves are the causes of the heart weakness. In addition, use of alcohol, cocaine or amphetamines can weaken the heart muscle. Some hormone imbalances can also contribute to cardiomyopathy.