The Cardiomyopathies—Current Perspectives

Abstract

This paper is designed to provide a contemporary overview of primary myocardial disease. The cardiomyopathies are dealt with in the light of both pathophysiologic and etiologic classifications. A relatively simple diagnostic approach is based upon these classifications together with the clinical manifestations of the cardiomyopathies. The essential principles of the natural history are summarized, and treatment is dealt with in terms of specific curatives, general pharmacologic measures, and management of factors that modify, aggravate, or contribute to the development of primary myocardial disease.