Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle that makes it harder for your heart to pump blood efficiently to the rest of your body. It includes several types, such as dilated, restrictive and takotsubo cardiomyopathy, each affecting the heart muscle in a different way. With an accurate diagnosis and the right cardiomyopathy treatment, you can take charge of your symptoms and keep doing what you love.

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Medical diagram showing the heart's chambers, valves, and major blood vessels.

Anatomy of the heart

Your heart is a muscle made up of four chambers that pump oxygen-rich blood throughout your body. The walls of these chambers need to be the right thickness and flexibility to squeeze and relax properly with every heartbeat.

Cardiomyopathy changes the structure of the heart muscle itself. Depending on the type, the heart muscle may become enlarged and weakened, stiff and less able to fill with blood, or temporarily impaired due to extreme stress. These changes can make it harder for the heart to circulate blood efficiently, which is why cardiomyopathy can affect energy levels, breathing and overall heart function.

Overview

Symptoms

Cardiomyopathy symptoms can develop slowly over time or appear suddenly, depending on the type. Common signs include:

Shortness of breath, especially during activity or when lying down
Fatigue
Swelling in the legs, ankles or feet Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Chest discomfort or pressure

Some people have no symptoms in the early stages, while others notice symptoms that gradually worsen as the condition progresses.

Causes

Bradycardia happens when something disrupts the heart's electrical signals or the sinus node's ability to generate them at a normal pace. Common causes include:

Aging, which can affect the heart's electrical pathways over time
Damage to heart tissue from a heart attack or heart disease
An underactive thyroid gland
Certain medications, including some used for high blood pressure or irregular heart rhythms
Sleep apnea
Imbalances in the body's electrolytes
Congenital heart conditions present at birth

In some cases, particularly in athletes or very physically fit individuals, a slower heart rate is normal and doesn't indicate an underlying problem.

Risk factors

Certain factors can increase your likelihood of developing cardiomyopathy, though having one or more of these doesn't mean you'll develop this condition:

A family history of cardiomyopathy or heart failure
High blood pressure
Coronary artery disease or a history of heart attack
Obesity
Long-term alcohol use
Certain chronic conditions, such as diabetes or thyroid disease
Significant emotional or physical stress

Knowing your risk factors can help you and your care team make informed decisions about monitoring and prevention.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing cardiomyopathy typically starts with a conversation about your symptoms and family history, followed by a physical exam that includes listening to your heart and checking for signs of fluid buildup. Your cardiologist may also recommend tests to evaluate your heart's structure and function. Common tests include:

Echocardiogram, which uses sound waves to create images of your heart's chambers and how well it's pumping
Electrocardiogram (EKG), which measures your heart's electrical activity
Cardiac MRI, which provides detailed images of the heart muscle
Blood tests, which can help identify underlying causes or related conditions
Genetic testing, which may be recommended if a family history is suspected

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