Cardiomyopathy and anaesthesia

Cardiomyopathies are diseases of the heart muscle and may present with cardiac dysfunction. Originally defined as conditions with unknown aetiology, the World Health Organization reclassification in 1995 was expanded to include all known causes and is based upon anatomical and physiological features. Within this classification, the three main identified types of cardiomyopathy are dilated, hypertrophic, and restrictive. Patients with these conditions present to anaesthetists in elective and emergency situations, but may be diagnosed at anaesthetic pre-assessment.