ABOUT THE DISEASE

When your child was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, you most likely did not expect it. You may not be familiar with the heart condition, and it may seem like a complicated disease to understand. Learning all you can about the disease can help you feel more confident and less anxious about managing your child's new diagnosis.

Pediatric cardiomyopathy is a chronic disease of the heart muscle that affects the ability of the heart to pump blood through the body. It is estimated that more than 30,000 children in the U.S. are diagnosed with some form of cardiomyopathy. Cardiomyopathy affects children of all ages, gender, or ethnicity. The disease may be inherited or acquired, and its severity can range from mild to severe. View our Pediatric Cardiomyopathy FAQ document for a quick overview of the disease.

Being an informed advocate is one of the most important steps you can take toward getting your child the best medical care. Information on adult cardiomyopathy is widely available, but it is not always relevant to children with cardiomyopathy. The causes, manifestations, and progression of the disease in children may be quite different from adults.

This section is intended to help you understand the types, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of cardiomyopathy in children. The more educated you are about pediatric cardiomyopathy, the better prepared you will be able to work with your child's healthcare team. The Children's Cardiomyopathy Foundation Family Outreach and Support team is available to help you navigate your journey with cardiomyopathy.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this website provides a basic overview of cardiomyopathy and is not intended to be conclusive in its medical content or to replace a consultation with a qualified medical professional. Cardiomyopathy is a variable disease with different forms, which needs to be taken into consideration. A thorough medical examination by a pediatric cardiologist is recommended for proper diagnosis and appropriate medical management.