Cardiomyopathy in the Southwest American Indian

Six Southwestern American Indian patients are reported to have primary myocardial disease or congestive failure of unknown cause. Two are Navajo, three are Laguna, and one is Isleta. Clinical and laboratory features are discussed. This disease appears in culturally traditional Indians and is not associated with contact with American civilization. It occurs in probably adequately nourished Indians in the majority of whom excessive alcohol consumption is not found. No familial cases were noted. This syndrome is probably not uncommon in the American Indian.