Cardiac involvement in muscular dystrophies

The muscular dystrophies are a heterogeneous group of conditions with a variable distribution and prognosis. Cardiac complications are common and may significantly alter both quality and quantity of life. Whilst complications are disease specific, many patients will require long-term cardiology follow-up looking for the development of a cardiomyopathic process or conduction problems. Improvements in diagnostic techniques now allow mutation-specific diagnosis to be made in some patients so adequate counselling, management and screening can be put in place for individuals and their families. © The Author 2008. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Association of Physicians. All rights reserved.