[Guideline update: phenotype-based management of cardiomyopathy]

The 2023 ESC Cardiomyopathy Guidelines offer a comprehensive framework for diagnosing and managing cardiomyopathies. Building on a nuanced classification system, the guidelines introduce phenotypic descriptions that integrate genetic and non-genetic etiologies. Notably, the guidelines redefine cardiomyopathies, such as non-dilated left ventricular cardiomyopathy, emphasizing detailed myocardial tissue characterization and advanced imaging techniques like cardiac magnetic resonance to enhance diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, the role of genetic testing is highlighted, including family screening and personalized risk stratification for sudden cardiac death prevention. The guidelines stress a patient-centered, multidisciplinary approach, ensuring individualized care across all life stages, from pediatric to adult care. Key updates include new therapeutic options, such as myosin inhibitors for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The guidelines also underscore the importance of distinguishing transient syndromes, such as Takotsubo syndrome, from chronic cardiomyopathies, recommending careful assessment of arrhythmias and phenotypic traits to avoid misclassification. This refined approach aims to optimize clinical outcomes through accurate diagnosis, genetic evaluation, and a focus on lifelong management.