Which of the following is listed as a type of cardiomyopathy?

• A. Atrial septal defect
• B. Aneurysm
• C. Endocarditis
• D. Hypertrophic

Answer: (D)

Cardiomyopathy refers to diseases of the heart muscle itself that impair how the heart pumps. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a specific type where the heart muscle, especially the left ventricle, becomes abnormally thick. This thickening makes the ventricle stiff, hindering proper filling during diastole and potentially causing outflow tract obstruction and arrhythmias. It’s often genetic and can present with exertional chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting.

The other conditions listed are not cardiomyopathies. An atrial septal defect is a congenital hole in the atrial wall that creates a shunt. An aneurysm is a localized dilation of a vessel or heart wall. Endocarditis is an infection of the heart’s inner lining. Among these, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the one that represents a disease of the heart muscle itself.