Inherited Cardiomyopathies

Cardiomyopathy is an important cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world in children and adults. In contrast to secondary causes of cardiomyopathy, such as hypertension and ischemic heart disease, the causes and pathogenesis of primary myocardial disease are poorly understood. The term “idiopathic cardiomyopathy” is therefore often used to describe primary myocardial disease. The annual incidence of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy in the United States and Europe is estimated to range from 2 to 8 cases per 100,0001. Overall, the survival of patients with idiopathic cardiomyopathy is poor (only 50 to 60 percent at two years).Familial analyses have . . .