What does cardiomyopathy refer to?

Cardiomyopathy refers to all diseases of the heart muscle. This term encompasses a variety of conditions that affect the structure and function of the heart muscle, leading to issues such as weakeness, stiffness, or enlargement of the heart. These alterations can impair the heart's ability to pump blood effectively, causing symptoms related to heart failure and potentially leading to serious complications.

The correct answer highlights the broad nature of cardiomyopathy, which is categorized into different types such as dilated, hypertrophic, and restrictive cardiomyopathy, each with distinct characteristics but all fundamentally affecting the heart muscle itself. Understanding this comprehensive definition is essential in medical contexts, as it underscores the impact that a range of diseases can have on cardiac health and function.