Cardiomyopathy is a general term that refers to diseases of the heart muscle. In cardiomyopathy, the heart muscle becomes enlarged, thick or tough, and cannot beat as well as it should. The heart is less able to pump blood effectively and prone to heart failure, heart valve problems, and to arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation (Afib or AF). Cardiomyopathy can affect people of all ages, even children. While cardiomyopathy is a serious condition, it is usually treatable. Treatment options include medication, surgery, implantable devices and minimally invasive procedures. The type of treatment your doctor recommends will depend on the type of cardiomyopathy and the extent of the problem. Start here to learn about the different types of cardiomyopathies and how they are treated.