What condition is characterized by a defect in the heart muscle?

The condition characterized by a defect in the heart muscle is cardiomyopathy. This term encompasses a variety of diseases that primarily affect the heart muscle, leading to functional abnormalities. In cardiomyopathy, the heart becomes enlarged, thickened, or rigid, which can impair its ability to pump blood effectively. This condition can result from a variety of causes, including genetic factors, long-term high blood pressure, and previous heart attacks.

Ischemia involves insufficient blood flow to an area of the heart, but it does not specifically denote a defect in the heart muscle itself. Hypovolemia refers to a decrease in blood volume, while hypoxia indicates a lack of oxygen in the tissues. While these conditions may affect overall heart health and function, they do not directly describe a defect in the heart muscle like cardiomyopathy does.