What are the main types of cardiomyopathy?

Condition analysis:
The main types of cardiomyopathy include the following:

Dilated: where one of the pumping chambers (ventricles) of the heart is enlarged. This is more common in males and is the most common form of cardiomyopathy in children. It can occur at any age and may or may not be inherited.

Hypertrophic: where the heart muscle is thickened. This often presents in childhood or early adulthood and can cause sudden death in adolescents and young adult athletes.1 It is often an inherited condition, and a person may not have any symptoms. If there is a family history of this, other family members can be tested and adjust their activities to reduce the risk of sudden death.

Arrhythmogenic: where the disease causes irregular heartbeats or rhythms. This is often inherited and more common in males.

Restrictive: where heart muscle is stiff or scarred, or both. It can occur with amyloidosis or hemochromatosis, and other conditions. This is the least common type.

Instructions:
Lifestyle and home remedies: Your doctor may recommend adopting the following lifestyle changes to help you manage Cardiomyopathy:
-- Quit smoking.
-- Lose weight if you're overweight.
-- Eat a healthy diet, including a variety of fruits and vegetables and whole grains.
-- Reduce the amount of salt in your diet, and aim for less than 1,500 milligrams of sodium daily.
-- Get modest exercise after discussing with your doctor the most appropriate program of physical activity.
-- Eliminate or minimize the amount of alcohol you drink. Specific recommendations will depend on the type of cardiomyopathy you have.
-- Try to manage your stress.
-- Get enough sleep.
-- Take all your medications as directed by your doctor.
-- Go to your doctor for regular follow-up appointments.