CARDIOMYOPATHY is a disease of the heart muscle — “cardio” means heart, “myo” means muscle, and “pathy” means disease.
What is Cardiomyopathy
Learn more about cardiomyopathy – the types, symptoms, and treatments
Cardiomyopathy isn’t one condition, but a group of conditions that change the structure of the heart and affect how well it pumps blood around the body. It is estimated that up to 1 in 250 people have cardiomyopathy. It can affect people of any age.
Cardiomyopathy Australia New Zealand (CMANZ) is the only not-for-profit solely focused on supporting and advocating for individuals impacted by cardiomyopathy in Australia and New Zealand.
The aims of CMANZ are to
- Provide support, information, and advocacy for individuals impacted by cardiomyopathy including those living with cardiomyopathy, families, and caregivers
- Promote knowledge and understanding of cardiomyopathy among the public, healthcare professionals, and stakeholders
- Advocate for the recognition of cardiomyopathy as a significant health concern and for improved resources for raising awareness, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and support
- Support research initiatives aimed at advancing understanding, diagnosis, and treatment options for cardiomyopathy
- Collaborate with organisations and stakeholders to address the needs of individuals affected by cardiomyopathy
Our big-hearted supporters
Community Voices
Leo’s Amyloid Cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) story
Leo’s Story – Living with ATTR Wild-Type Amyloidosis Hi, my name is Leo and I am living with ATTR wild-type amyloidosis. It is a rare disease where abnormal proteins called
Jessie’s Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) story
1. Introduction. Hello! My name is Jessie and I have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. 2. What led to your diagnosis? What has happened since then? Growing up, I was very active
Miranda’s Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) story
I was 21 when I was diagnosed with Dilated Cardiomyopathy DCM. I was breathless, was putting in fluid weight, and was struggling to walk in a flat surface. My father
Mel’s Takotsubo cardiomyopathy story
Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy often begins with an intense emotional event but I call my experience ‘a perfect storm’. I was a single mum, working full time from home, managing an extreme
Prevalence
1 in 500
Australians
Age Group Most Affected
72%
Aged 65+
Cardiomyopathy and heart failure
12%
Hospitalisations
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Rates
17.5%
per 10,000 men
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Rates
8.2%
per 10,000 women
- Prevalence. Approximately 1 in 500 Australians are estimated to have cardiomyopathy, although this is likely underdiagnosed due to early stages often being symptom-free.
- Age Group Most Affected. Around 72% of Australians living with heart failure (which includes cardiomyopathy) are aged 65 and over.
- Hospital Impact
Cardiomyopathy and heart failure together account for12% of all cardiovascular hospitalisations in Australia. - Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Rates
In 2021, echocardiographic features of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy were found in 17.5 per 10,000 men and 8.2 per 10,000 women in Australia.
Cardiomyopathy can affect children, adults and older people
Cardiomyopathy can affect people of all ages, including children, working-age adults and older people, depending on the underlying type and cause.
Many people with cardiomyopathy have no symptoms in the early stages
Many people with cardiomyopathy have few or no symptoms in the early stages, and the condition may be detected through imaging, routine tests, or family screening.
Genetics plays a role in many cardiomyopathies
Many cardiomyopathies have a genetic component, and inherited forms are common in conditions such as hypertrophic, dilated and arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy.
Many people with cardiomyopathy live full and active lives
With appropriate diagnosis, monitoring and treatment, many people with cardiomyopathy are able to live full and active lives.
Early diagnosis and regular follow-up can improve quality of life
Early diagnosis, risk assessment and regular follow-up are central to cardiomyopathy care and can help improve quality of life and long-term outcomes.
News & Events
Amyloid Cardiomyopathy Webinar: Meet the Experts, with A/Prof Elizabeth Paratz and A/Prof Nikki Bart
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