Cardiomyopathy

8-minute read

Key facts

Cardiomyopathy is a condition that affects your heart muscle.
There are different types of cardiomyopathy, and some types are inherited.
Cardiomyopathy can cause shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting and palpitations.
There are treatments available for cardiomyopathy, including medicines and surgery.

What is cardiomyopathy?

Cardiomyopathy is a condition that affects your heart muscle. If you have cardiomyopathy, your heart can't pump blood as well as it should.

There are different types of cardiomyopathy, each with different causes.

Both adults and children can get cardiomyopathy. But it's rare in children.

What are some of the types of cardiomyopathy?

There are different types of cardiomyopathy, and they can affect you in different ways. Some of the types are:

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, where your heart muscle enlarges and the walls of the heart thicken. This can block blood flow out of your heart.
Dilated cardiomyopathy, where your heart muscle stretches and becomes thinner and weaker, so it can't pump as effectively.
Restrictive cardiomyopathy, where your heart becomes stiff and rigid and can't relax enough to pump properly.
Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, where part of your heart muscle is replaced with scar tissue. This can disrupt your heart's electrical activity, causing irregular heart rhythms.

What are the symptoms of cardiomyopathy?

Symptoms of cardiomyopathy can include:

shortness of breath or trouble breathing
chest pain or discomfort
heart palpitations (an awareness of your heart beating)
light headedness or fainting
fatigue (feeling very tired)
swelling in your legs due to fluid retention

You may feel more breathless when doing activities or when lying down.

Some people have no symptoms, or your symptoms may be very mild.

Symptoms in babies and children

In children, you might notice that they become more breathless than other children their age. They may also feel tired, have chest pain, palpitations and fainting.

In babies, you might notice heavy breathing or sweating while they are feeding, and poor weight gain.

Any of these symptoms in babies and children need to be checked by a doctor.

CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.

What causes cardiomyopathy?

Often the cause of cardiomyopathy is unknown.

Sometimes cardiomyopathy is inherited. You may have a known family history or you may be the first family member to be diagnosed. Genetic causes are among the most common causes of cardiomyopathy.

Cardiomyopathy can also be caused by:

viral infections affecting the heart
heavy alcohol consumption
drugs and some cancer treatments, such as certain types of chemotherapy
some autoimmune conditions
some vitamin deficiencies
certain hormonal conditions
haemochromatosis (where your body has too much iron)

Your heart muscle can also be damaged if you have coronary heart disease or high blood pressure. But this type of heart muscle damage is no longer classified as a type of cardiomyopathy.

When should I see my doctor?

Call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance if you have:

chest pain that is severe, getting worse or has lasted for 10 minutes
severe difficulty breathing
heart palpitations with chest pain, shortness of breath or fainting

You should see your doctor as soon as possible if you or your child have symptoms, or if you have a family history of cardiomyopathy.

FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.

How is cardiomyopathy diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and general health. They may also ask about any treatments or medicines you are taking and your family medical history.

You doctor will also examine you, including listening to your heart with a stethoscope. They may recommend tests, including:

blood tests
a chest x-ray
an electrocardiogram (ECG)
an echocardiogram (a special ultrasound test of your heart)
genetic testing

Your doctor may refer you to a cardiologist (heart specialist) for further tests and treatment.

ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.

How is cardiomyopathy treated?

Your treatment will depend on the type of cardiomyopathy you have and your symptoms. Treatments can include:

lifestyle measures
medicines
surgery
an implantable device, such as a pacemaker or an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)

Some people with severe cardiomyopathy may need treatment with a heart transplant.

Lifestyle measures that may help your symptoms can include:

having a healthy diet
reducing the amount of salt in your diet
not drinking too much alcohol
not smoking

You should talk to your doctor about the types of exercise and activity that are suitable for you.

Can cardiomyopathy be prevented?

Many types of cardiomyopathy, such as hereditary cardiomyopathies, cannot be prevented.

Following a healthy lifestyle, including eating a healthy diet and limiting the amount of alcohol you drink, can help reduce your risk of some types of cardiomyopathy. A healthy lifestyle can also help prevent other types of heart disease.

Complications of cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy can cause complications such as:

Your doctor may recommend you see a counsellor or a psychologist if you have feelings of anxiety or distress if you are diagnosed with cardiomyopathy.

Resources and support

For more information about cardiomyopathy, talk to your doctor or visit the Cardiomyopathy Association of Australia website.

The Heart Foundation also has information on cardiomyopathy.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.