Chart — Cardiac
Cardiomyopathy Types Comparison Chart
Three diseases of the heart muscle: a weak baggy pump (dilated), a thick stiff obstructor (hypertrophic), and a rigid wall that won’t fill (restrictive). The one that drops young athletes is hypertrophic.
Educational use only. Cardiomyopathy management is individualized and provider-directed. This chart is an educational comparison aid. This material supports nursing education and exam review. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for clinical judgment, institutional policy, or medical direction. Always follow facility protocols and current provider orders.
Side by Side
| Type | Muscle problem | Failure type | Common causes | Hallmark / nursing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dilated (most common) | Chambers enlarge, walls thin → weak pump (↓ EF) | Systolic failure | Alcohol, ischemia, viral myocarditis, peripartum, genetic | Low EF, blood stasis → emboli; treat like systolic HF — HF meds (beta-blocker, ACE/ARB, diuretic); anticoagulate |
| Hypertrophic (HCM) | Muscle thickens (often septum) → stiff, can obstruct outflow | Diastolic (filling) problem | Genetic (autosomal dominant) | SUDDEN CARDIAC DEATH in young athletes; murmur worsens with ↓ filling — Avoid dehydration/vasodilators/exertion; beta-blockers; ICD; family screening |
| Restrictive (rare) | Wall becomes rigid/non-compliant → can't fill | Diastolic (filling) failure | Amyloidosis, sarcoidosis, hemochromatosis, fibrosis | Right-heart congestion; hardest to treat — Treat underlying cause; manage congestion |
Exam Traps
- ✦Dilated = systolic failure (low EF, weak pump); hypertrophic and restrictive = diastolic (filling) problems.
- ✦Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) = leading cause of sudden cardiac death in young athletes.
- ✦HCM care: AVOID dehydration, vasodilators, and strenuous exertion (they worsen outflow obstruction).
- ✦Dilated CM pools blood → emboli risk → anticoagulate; treat like systolic heart failure.
- ✦HCM is genetic (autosomal dominant) — recommend first-degree relative screening.
Related Resources
Standards & sources
Fact-checked Jun 20, 2026This page is written to align with American Heart Association (AHA) · American College of Cardiology (ACC) · AHA ACLS Guidelines. It is an educational summary, not a citation of any single document — always verify specific doses, values, and protocols against current guidelines and your facility policy. How we source content →