Test Details: This assay detects mutations in the mitochondrial DNA which are responsible for maternal inheritance of Myopathies with Cardiomyopathy. Mitochondrial cardiomyopathy can be described as a myocardial condition characterized by abnormal heart-muscle structure, function, or both secondary to genetic defects involving the mitochondrial respiratory chain, in the absence of concomitant coronary artery disease, hypertension, valvular disease or congenital heart disease.