Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle that can be inherited or acquired and can affect people of all ages. Cardiomyopathy affects the shape, function, and electrical system of the heart. In the UK, the estimated incidence of cardiomyopathy is 1 in 500. Although it is not a curable condition, the signs and symptoms can usually be managed successfully and patients can have a good life expectancy. 1 Definitions The term cardiomyopathy was used for the first time in 1957. Since then, there have been several definitions and classifications of cardiomyopathy (Table 1).
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