Causes
In many cases, the exact cause is not known. Possible causes include:
Dilated
The cause of the initial damage is often not found, but may include:
- Ischemic heart disease with decreased blood flow to the heart
- Infections, usually viral
- Chronic exposure to toxins, including alcohol and some chemotherapy drugs
- A rare complication of pregnancy or childbirth (probably immune-related)
- Rarely, other illnesses, including rheumatoid arthritis , diabetes, or thyroid disease
Hypertrophic
Causes may include:
- Inherited: sometimes present at birth but often developing in teens
- Aging: associated with hypertension
Restrictive
This is usually related to another condition, such as:
- Amyloidosis —protein fibers collect in the heart muscle
- Sarcoidosis –small inflammatory masses (granulomas) form in many organs
- Hemochromatosis —too much iron in the body
Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
- Family members with cardiomyopathy
- Alcoholism
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Coronary artery disease
- Certain drugs
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2012 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.
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