Cardiomyopathy (kahr-dee-o-my-OP-uh-thee) is a disease of the heart muscle. It causes the heart to have a harder time pumping blood to the rest of the body, which can lead to symptoms of heart failure. Cardiomyopathy also can lead to some other serious heart conditions.

There are various types of cardiomyopathy. The main types include dilated, hypertrophic and restrictive cardiomyopathy. Treatment includes medicines and sometimes surgically implanted devices and heart surgery. Some people with severe cardiomyopathy need a heart transplant. Treatment depends on the type of cardiomyopathy and how serious it is.

Some people with cardiomyopathy don’t ever get symptoms. For others, symptoms appear as the condition becomes worse. Cardiomyopathy symptoms can include:

Symptoms tend to get worse unless they are treated. In some people, the condition becomes worse quickly. In others, it might not become worse for a long time.

When to see a doctor

See your healthcare professional if you have any symptoms of cardiomyopathy. Call 911 or your local emergency number if you faint, have trouble breathing or have chest pain that lasts for more than a few minutes.

Some types of cardiomyopathy can be passed down through families. If you have the condition, your healthcare professional might recommend that your family members be checked.

Often, the cause of the cardiomyopathy isn’t known. But some people get it due to another condition. This is known as acquired cardiomyopathy. Other people are born with cardiomyopathy because of a gene passed on from a parent. This is called inherited cardiomyopathy.

Certain health conditions or behaviors that can lead to acquired cardiomyopathy include:

Types of cardiomyopathy include:

Many things can raise the risk of cardiomyopathy, including:

Many diseases also raise the risk of cardiomyopathy, including:

Cardiomyopathy can lead to serious medical conditions, including:

Inherited types of cardiomyopathy can’t be prevented. Let your healthcare professional know if you have a family history of the condition.

You can help lower the risk of acquired types of cardiomyopathy, which are caused by other conditions. Take steps to lead a heart-healthy lifestyle, including:

These healthy habits also can help people with inherited cardiomyopathy control their symptoms.

Your healthcare professional examines you and usually ask questions about your personal and family medical history. You may be asked when your symptoms happen — for example, whether exercise triggers your symptoms.

Tests

Tests to diagnose cardiomyopathy may include:

The goals of cardiomyopathy treatment are to:

The type of treatment depends on the type of cardiomyopathy and how serious it is.

Medications

Many types of medicines are used to treat cardiomyopathy. Medicines for cardiomyopathy can help:

Therapies

Ways to treat cardiomyopathy or an irregular heartbeat without surgery include:

Surgery or other procedures

Somes types of devices can be placed in the heart with surgery. They can help the heart work better and relieve symptoms. Some help prevent complications. Types of cardiac devices include:

Types of surgery used to treat cardiomyopathy include:

These lifestyle changes can help you manage cardiomyopathy:

If you think you may have cardiomyopathy or are worried about your risk, make an appointment with your healthcare professional. You may be referred to a heart doctor, also called a cardiologist.

Here’s information to help you get ready for your appointment.

What you can do

Be aware of any restrictions that your healthcare professional wants you to follow before your appointment. When you make the appointment, ask if there’s anything you need to do in advance, such as avoid certain foods or drinks.

Make a list of:

Take a family member or friend along, if you can. This person can help you remember the information you’re given.

For cardiomyopathy, some basic questions to ask your healthcare professional include:

What to expect from your doctor

Your healthcare team is likely to ask you questions such as:

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