5. Autoimmune Conditions: When the Body Betrays Itself
Moving onto the fifth cause of cardiomyopathy, we enter the realm of autoimmune diseases. This diverse group of conditions is characterized by an abnormal immune response, wherein the body’s defense system mistakenly attacks its own tissues. When this misdirected attack targets the heart, it can lead to inflammatory cardiomyopathy.
Autoimmune conditions such as lupus, sarcoidosis, and rheumatoid arthritis have been associated with an increased risk of developing cardiomyopathy. In lupus, for instance, the immune system can cause inflammation in various parts of the body, including the heart. This chronic inflammation can lead to changes in the heart’s structure and function, causing cardiomyopathy.
In sarcoidosis, tiny clumps of inflammatory cells, known as granulomas, can form in different parts of the body, including the heart. If enough granulomas form in the heart, they can interfere with the heart’s electrical system or weaken the heart muscle, resulting in cardiomyopathy.
Rheumatoid arthritis, another autoimmune condition, is characterized by inflammation in the joints, but it can also affect other organs, including the heart. The chronic inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis can lead to the thickening and stiffening of the heart’s walls, a condition known as restrictive cardiomyopathy. (5)
