Hearing your doctor tell you that you have a “weakened heart muscle” can be a bit overwhelming. The medical term for this is cardiomyopathy and it can be serious. But with the right care, you can live an active, meaningful life.
“Being diagnosed with cardiomyopathy can be scary,” said Ambar Andrade, MD, a cardiologist with Banner - University Medicine. Understanding what cardiomyopathy is, what causes it, how it’s treated and when to seek medical help can help ease your fear.
What is cardiomyopathy?
Cardiomyopathy is a condition that affects the heart muscle. “It’s a term used to describe heart muscle dysfunction,” Dr. Andrade said. It’s when the heart muscle is weak, thick or stiff, so it can’t pump blood as well as it should.
When your heart doesn’t pump properly, your body may not get enough oxygen-rich blood, which can lead to symptoms over time like swelling in your legs or shortness of breath.
Cardiomyopathy is different from heart disease which is caused by blocked arteries. In cardiomyopathy, the problem is the heart muscle itself, not a blockage. But blockages and heart disease can cause cardiomyopathy.
Types of cardiomyopathy
There are several types of cardiomyopathy. Your provider can determine which type you have and what treatment options may help.
- Dilated cardiomyopathy: The most common type. The heart is enlarged and stretched out, which makes it weaker and less able to pump blood.
- Infiltrative cardiomyopathy: Deposits of substances like proteins or fats build up in the heart, making it thicker or stiffer.
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: The heart muscle becomes thicker than normal. This can make it harder for blood to leave the heart. It’s often inherited and can run in families.
- Restrictive cardiomyopathy: The heart muscle gets stiff and doesn’t relax well between beats. This type is less common and often linked to other medical conditions.
- Stress-related or temporary cardiomyopathy: Sometimes cardiomyopathy develops after severe stress, illness or pregnancy. In these cases, heart function often gets better with treatment and time.
What causes a weakened heart muscle?
“Various factors can make the heart muscle weak. The most common cause in the United States is coronary artery disease or heart artery blockages,” Dr. Andrade said.
Other causes include:
- Family history or genetic conditions
- Long-standing high blood pressure
- Previous heart attacks
- Viral infections that affect the heart
- Heavy alcohol use
- Substance abuse
- Some cancer treatments
- Pregnancy-related changes
- Stress
- Other chronic medical conditions
In some people, there’s no clear cause.
Common symptoms of cardiomyopathy
Symptoms can vary widely. Some people notice changes early, while others don’t have symptoms at first.
“It is important to distinguish cardiomyopathy from heart failure. Early stages of cardiomyopathy might not necessarily have symptoms. Once someone has symptoms from heart muscle dysfunction, we worry they have progressed into heart failure,” Dr. Andrade said.
Common signs include:
- Shortness of breath, especially with activity
- Feeling very tired
- Swelling in the legs, ankles or feet
- Weight gain
- Chest discomfort or pain
- Dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting
- Irregular heartbeat
If symptoms appear or get worse, it’s important to let your provider know.
How cardiomyopathy is diagnosed
To diagnose cardiomyopathy, your provider may use:
- A thorough medical history and physical exam
- An echocardiogram to look at your heart’s structure and function
- Heart imaging such as MRI or CT scans
- Blood tests
- Heart rhythm tests
- Genetic testing, in some cases
- Other specialized cardiac diagnostics
These tests help figure out if you have cardiomyopathy and, if so, what type and how severe it is.
How cardiomyopathy is treated
“Treatment for cardiomyopathy depends on the underlying cause and your symptoms,” Dr. Andrade said. Options are tailored to your needs. They may include:
- Medications that help your heart pump better
- Medications to control your blood pressure or heart rhythm
- Lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise and limiting or eliminating alcohol
- Devices like pacemakers or defibrillators
- Advanced therapies for severe heart weakness
“With prompt diagnosis and treatment, recovery is possible in 50% to 100% of people depending on the type of cardiomyopathy they have,” Dr. Andrade said.
Recovery does not mean returning to old lifestyle habits or stopping medical treatments. “Recovery represents improvement in the heart’s structure and function and, most importantly, improvement in your quality of life. Once you have a cardiomyopathy diagnosis, lifelong care and maintenance will be key to maintaining your heart health,” Dr. Andrade said.
Living with a weakened heart muscle
Living with cardiomyopathy often means you need ongoing care and regular checkups. It can help you stay active and enjoy daily life if you:
- Follow treatment plans
- Stay physically active, as advised
- Eat a heart-healthy diet
- Manage stress
- Get emotional and social support
Your care team can help you understand what activities are safe for you.
When to get medical care
Talk to a health care provider if you have:
- A family history of cardiomyopathy, even if you don’t have symptoms
- Uncontrolled blood pressure
- A history of substance abuse history
- Symptoms such as fatigue, palpitations, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, swelling or weight gain
Get medical help right away if you experience:
- Sudden or worsening shortness of breath
- Rapid weight gain or swelling
- Chest pain
- Fainting or severe dizziness
- New or rapidly worsening symptoms
These can be signs that your heart needs urgent attention.
The bottom line
Cardiomyopathy can sound frightening but it’s a condition that can often be managed with the right care and support. Early diagnosis, proper treatment and regular follow-up make a big difference.
If you have concerns about your heart or any heart-related symptoms, reach out to a Banner Health provider for diagnosis, treatment and long-term care.
