Who Is At Risk for Cardiomyopathy?

People of all ages can have cardiomyopathy. However, certain types of the disease are more common in certain groups.

Dilated cardiomyopathy is more common in African Americans than in Whites. This type of the disease also is more common in men than women.

Teens and young adults are more likely than older people to have arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia, although it's rare in both groups.

Major Risk Factors

Certain diseases, conditions, or factors can raise your risk for cardiomyopathy. Major risk factors include:

• A family history of cardiomyopathy, heart failure, or sudden cardiac arrest (SCA)
• A disease or condition that can lead to cardiomyopathy, such as coronary artery disease, heart attack, or a viral infection that inflames the heart muscle
• Diabetes, other metabolic diseases, or severe obesity
• Diseases that can damage the heart, such as hemochromatosis, sarcoidosis, or amyloidosis
• Long-term alcoholism
• Long-term high blood pressure

Some people who have cardiomyopathy never have signs or symptoms. That's why it's important to identify people who may be at high risk for the disease. This can help prevent future problems, such as serious arrhythmias or SCA.