The cardiomyopathies--current perspectives.

This paper is designied to provide a conitemporary overview of primary myocardial disease. The cardiomyopathies are dealt with in the light of both pathophysiologic and etiologic classifications. A relatively simple diagnostic approach is based upon these classifications together with the clinical manifestations of the cardiomyopathies. The essential principles of the niatural history are summarized, and treatment is dealt with in terms of specific curatives, general pharmacologic measures, and management of factors that modify, aggravate, or con-tribute to the developmenit of primary myocardial disease.