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How is cardiomyopathy diagnosed?

In some cases, cardiomyopathy does not have any presenting symptoms, particularly in the early stages. This is because the heart can often overcompensate for any problems it has by working harder. To make a diagnosis, your doctor will look at presenting symptoms, conduct a physical examination and perform some diagnostic tests including a chest X-ray, echocardiogram, electrocardiogram and blood tests.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What is cardiomyopathy?

Cardiomyopathy is the name given to a number of conditions that affect the heart muscle. The heart muscle can be affected in different ways including enlarging, thickening or stiffening.

What are the symptoms of cardiomyopathy?

Cardiomyopathy can have no symptoms for many people, particularly in the early stages. As the condition worsens, signs and symptoms of heart failure are an indicator of the condition. These can include: difficulty breathing; shortness of breath, …

What causes cardiomyopathy?

The specific cause of cardiomyopathy is often not known. It is possible that there are a number of causes and triggers that lead to the development of cardiomyopathy - these include genetics, viral infections, immunological triggers, abnormally fast heartbeats …

Are there different types of cardiomyopathy?

Yes, there are four different forms of cardiomyopathy, depending on how the condition affects the heart. These are dilated cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, restrictive cardiomyopathy and arrhythmogenic right ventricular …

Who gets cardiomyopathy?

Various forms of cardiomyopathy can affect people of all ages; arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy can affect teenagers, dilated cardiomyopathy is more common in people aged between 20-60 years and restrictive cardiomyopathy is more common in older …

How is cardiomyopathy treated?

Treatment of cardiomyopathy aims to help you manage your condition while living a fulfilling life. A main focus of treatment is to identify and treat any underlying condition that has caused cardiomyopathy to help prevent it from worsening, such as by …

Can cardiomyopathy be cured?

No, in most cases cardiomyopathy cannot be cured, but can be treated and effectively managed.

What is the outlook for cardiomyopathy?

Cardiomyopathy is a life-threatening condition. In some cases, with correct treatment, symptoms can subside and heart function can improve. Depending on your condition, lifestyle changes, medication, or occasionally surgery can help give you a better …

What are the potential complications of cardiomyopathy?

Potential complications of cardiomyopathy include heart failure, stroke, kidney failure and heart valve problems.

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About this article

Author: Dr Bow Tauro PhD, BSc (Hons)
First answered: 06 Nov 2014
Last reviewed: 14 May 2019
Rating: 4.2 out of 5
Votes: 177 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Heart failure

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