Overview
Cardiomyopathy is a group of diseases of the heart muscle that make it harder for the heart to pump or fill with blood. The muscle may become enlarged, thickened, or stiff, and the cause is sometimes inherited. Some people have no symptoms for years, while others develop breathlessness, fatigue, or rhythm problems. Because some forms run in families, relatives may also need checking.
Symptoms
- Breathlessness with activity or at rest
- Fatigue
- Swelling of the legs, ankles, or abdomen
- Palpitations or irregular heartbeat
- Dizziness or fainting, especially during exertion
- Chest discomfort
Causes & risk factors
- Inherited (genetic) factors
- Long-standing high blood pressure
- Previous heart attack or coronary artery disease
- Viral infections affecting the heart
- Excess alcohol use
- Certain metabolic and autoimmune conditions
- Sometimes unknown
Treatment & self-care
Care depends on the type and aims to relieve symptoms, support heart function, prevent rhythm problems, and reduce the risk of complications. This generally involves lifestyle adjustments, ongoing monitoring, and in some cases devices or procedures; family screening may be advised. Treatment should be guided by a licensed clinician, usually a cardiologist.
See a doctor urgently if
- You have unexplained breathlessness, fatigue, or swelling
- You have fainting or palpitations, especially with exercise
- You have a family history of heart muscle disease or sudden cardiac death
- You faint or have severe chest pain or breathlessness — seek emergency care
This condition can be an emergency. If any of the signs above are severe or getting worse, go to the nearest emergency room now or call your local emergency number — do not wait for an online consultation.