Cardiomyopathies: Types, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
February 1, 2025

What is Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy is a disease that weakens the heart muscle, hindering its capacity to pump blood properly. This may result in tiredness, difficulty breathing, and heart palpitations. It may also result in irregular heart rhythms, known as arrhythmias, and can progress to more serious issues like heart failure. The exact cause is often unclear, but potential factors include alcohol abuse, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, viral infections, or certain medications.
Cardiomyopathy primarily consists of three types: dilated, hypertrophic, and restrictive. Treatment options are determined by the type and severity of the condition, and may include medications, implanted devices, heart surgery, or, in more severe cases, a heart transplant. Although cardiomyopathy may progress over time, prompt treatment can alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life.
Types of Cardiomyopathy
Types of cardiomyopathy refer to different conditions that affect the heart muscle, altering its structure and function, which can lead to complications in blood circulation.
Dilated Cardiomyopathy
- The heart chambers enlarge and weaken, reducing the heart’s pumping efficiency. It often affects younger adults, particularly men, and can be linked to genetic mutations, coronary artery disease, or heart attacks.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
- The heart muscle thickens, making it harder for the heart to pump blood. This type is often hereditary, with genetic mutations playing a significant role, and symptoms can vary in severity based on the age of onset.
Restrictive Cardiomyopathy
- The heart muscle stiffens and loses its flexibility, restricting its capacity to fill with blood. This rare type is more common in older adults and may result from conditions like amyloidosis or sarcoidosis, though it can also occur without a known cause.
Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC)
- Fat and scar tissue replace muscle in the heart’s right ventricle, causing rhythm issues. This rare genetic form typically affects individuals aged 10 to 50.
Unclassified Cardiomyopathy
- Includes types that need to fit into the main categories.
Causes
Cardiomyopathy is a condition that impacts the heart muscle’s ability to pump blood effectively. It can arise from various causes, including genetic mutations or factors acquired later in life, such as viral infections, nutritional deficiencies, metabolic disorders, certain medications, or existing health issues like hypertension and heart attacks. In certain instances, the exact cause is unidentified.
- Genetic mutations inherited from parents.
- Conditions such as obesity, diabetes, thyroid disorders, or complications during pregnancy.
- Substance abuse, including alcohol and drugs.
- Certain cancer treatments, like chemotherapy and radiation.
- Infections that cause heart inflammation, including COVID-19.
The symptoms, signs, and severity of cardiomyopathy can differ depending on its type and underlying causes; nevertheless, early detection can facilitate better management and enhance quality of life. Medications and lifestyle changes can assist patients in managing their symptoms, while more severe cases may require device interventions or even a heart transplant.
Symptoms
The symptoms of cardiomyopathy can vary widely, from none at all to severe complications. While some individuals may not experience symptoms, others might see their condition worsen. Common symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath, even at rest or during activity.
- Fatigue, despite adequate rest.
- Chest pain, particularly after physical exertion or eating heavily.
- Heart palpitations, including rapid or fluttering heartbeats.
- Swelling in the feet, legs, ankles, stomach area, or neck veins due to fluid buildup.
- Bloating or abdominal discomfort from fluid retention.
- Difficulty lying flat to sleep or a cough when lying down.
- Dizziness or fainting (syncope).
The decline in health can happen slowly or quickly, making accurate diagnosis and timely treatment crucial for managing this condition.
Treatments
Cardiomyopathy is a condition that cannot be reversed, but there are treatments available that can help slow its progression and manage symptoms. The treatment plan depends on the type and severity of the condition, and it may involve changes in lifestyle, the use of medications, or, in some cases, medical procedures.
Lifestyle Changes
Adopting heart-healthy habits can strengthen the heart and reduce symptoms. Recommended changes include:
- Eating a low-fat, low-salt diet.
- Maintaining a healthy weight.
- Engaging in regular exercise.
- Getting sufficient sleep.
- Managing stress effectively.
- Avoiding tobacco and alcohol use.
Your healthcare provider may prescribe medications to improve blood flow, control symptoms, and address underlying conditions.
Prevention and Management
Inherited cardiomyopathy cannot be prevented, but maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle can help manage symptoms. To prevent acquired cardiomyopathy, it’s crucial to manage conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes and avoid substances such as alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs. Maintaining regular exercise, a healthy diet, and managing stress effectively are key to preventing and controlling symptoms. Early diagnosis and proactive management are key in enhancing the quality of life for those with cardiomyopathy.
When to See a Doctor
It is important to seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms of cardiomyopathy, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, or swelling in the legs and feet. Early diagnosis can help manage the condition and prevent complications.
Call your local emergency number if you faint, have difficulty breathing, or experience chest pain that lasts more than a few minutes. These could be signs of a serious heart condition requiring immediate medical attention.
Additionally, because some types of cardiomyopathy are hereditary, your healthcare provider may recommend screening for your family members if you have been diagnosed. Regular check-ups and early detection can be crucial in managing the condition effectively.