What is Cardiomyopathy?

Cardiomyopathy is a group of conditions that affect the heart muscle and make it harder for the heart to pump blood the way it should. When the heart muscle becomes weak, stiff, or thickened, it may not move blood through the body efficiently.

Over time, this condition can affect overall heart function and may also influence heart rhythm. Some people develop irregular heartbeats or symptoms of heart failure as the condition progresses.

This condition may be linked to several underlying factors, including:

• Long-term high blood pressure
• Coronary artery disease
• Viral infections that affect the heart muscle
• Heavy alcohol use over time
• Certain chemotherapy drugs or other medications
• Stimulant drug use, such as cocaine or methamphetamine
• Genetic conditions passed through families
• Muscle or metabolic disorders
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Pregnancy-related stress on the heart in some cases
• Sometimes no clear cause can be identified

Symptoms

Cardiomyopathy can develop for many different reasons, and symptoms often depend on how much the heart is affected.

Common symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath, especially during activity or when lying down
• Ongoing fatigue or low energy
• Chest discomfort or pressure
• Feeling like the heart is racing or skipping beats
• Dizziness or fainting spells
• Swelling in the legs, ankles, or abdomen

How is it Diagnosed?

Providers use a combination of exams, imaging, and testing to understand how well the heart is working and what may be causing symptoms.

Evaluation may include:

• Physical exam and review of medical history
• Echocardiogram to look at heart structure and pumping strength
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) to assess heart rhythm
• Cardiac MRI for detailed imaging of the heart muscle
• Blood tests to check for underlying conditions
• Heart rhythm monitoring over time
• Genetic testing when an inherited form is suspected

These tests help determine the type of cardiomyopathy and guide treatment decisions.

How is it Treated?

Treatment focuses on improving heart function, reducing symptoms, and slowing progression of the disease.

Care often begins with lifestyle changes and medication, such as:

• Managing blood pressure and cholesterol
• Reducing alcohol use or avoiding it completely
• Eating a heart-healthy diet and staying active as advised
• Medications to support heart pumping function and control rhythm

If symptoms progress, additional treatments may be needed, including:

• Implantable devices such as pacemakers or defibrillators
• Procedures to manage abnormal heart rhythms
• Treatment of the underlying cause when identified
• Advanced therapies, including heart transplant in severe cases

Many people benefit from long-term follow-up care to monitor heart function and adjust treatment as needed.