Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy refers to diseases of the heart muscle. It’s a type of progressive heart disease in which the heart is abnormally enlarged, thickened, and/or stiffened. As a result, it makes it harder for your heart to pump blood to the rest of your body.
Cardiomyopathy can lead to heart failure, or irregular heartbeats called arrhythmias. A weakened heart can cause other complications, such as heart valve problems. In many cases, the cause of cardiomyopathy isn’t known. This is often the case when the disease occurs in children.
Types of Cardiomyopathy
- Dilated
- Hypertrophic
- Restrictive Cardiomyopathy
Treatment
Treatment depends on the type of cardiomyopathy and the severity of symptoms. Treatments may include:
- Lifestyle Changes
- Medications
- Surgery
- Implanted Devices To Correct Arrhythmias
- And Other Nonsurgical Procedures
Symptoms
Symptoms vary, and there may be no signs or symptoms in the early stages of cardiomyopathy. As the condition advances, here are some common signs and symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Coughing or shortness of breath while lying down
- Waking up at night with shortness of breath
- Breathlessness with exertion or even at rest
- Swelling of the legs, ankles and feet
- Bloating of the abdomen due to fluid buildup
- Heartbeats that feel rapid, pounding or fluttering
- Chest discomfort or pressure
- Dizziness, lightheadedness and fainting
In some cases, cardiomyopathy may run in families and present with sudden unexpected death, particularly at a relatively young age. Contact your doctor if you have one or more signs or symptoms associated with cardiomyopathy.