Key Facts
- There are four (4) types of Cardiomyopathy
- Dilated
- Hypertrophic
- Arrhythmogenic
- Restrictive
What Causes Cardiomyopathy?
- A family history of cardiomyopathy, heart failure or sudden cardiac arrest
- Connective tissue disease and other types of autoimmune disease
- Coronary heart disease or a heart attack
- Diseases that can damage the heart, such as hemochromatosis, sarcoidosis or amyloidosis
- Endocrine diseases, including thyroid conditions and diabetes
- Infections in the heart muscle
- Long-term alcoholism or cocaine abuse
- Muscle conditions such as muscular dystrophy
Signs & Symptoms
- Some people who have cardiomyopathy may never display any symptoms while others show signs as the disease progresses.
- Shortness of breath or trouble breathing.
- Swelling in the ankles and legs.
- Irregular heartbeat or palpitations.
- Syncope, the medical term for fainting or briefly passing out
Managing Cardiomyopathy
To slow down the disease, control symptoms and to prevent sudden death your doctor may tell you to change your diet and physical activity, reduce stress, avoid alcohol and other drugs, and take medications. Treatments may vary depending on the type of cardiomyopathy that you have.
Genetic or inherited types of cardiomyopathy cannot be prevented but having a healthier lifestyle can help control the symptoms and complications.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
- What are the important things that I can do to manage my heart health?
- What medications should I use? What are the side effects of these?
- What are specific ways that my daily life will change?
- How much physical activity should I get to help and what are the limits?