Heart Condition

Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle that affects its ability to pump blood effectively.

Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle that can lead the muscle wall to weaken, thicken, or stiffen the heart, leading to reduced cardiac function and, in some cases, serious complications such as heart failure, arrhythmias, or sudden cardiac death.

Cardiomyopathy can affect the heart’s function in two main ways. It can cause the heart muscle to become stretched and weak, or thick and stiff. Both of these impact the heart’s ability to effectively pump blood around the body.

Certain types of cardiomyopathy can be inherited, which means they may run in families and can affect children and young people. Other types have different underlying causes, and for some people there will be no known cause, which may be referred to as “idiopathic”.

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Key facts

Affects 1 in every 250 people in the UK

It is the main cause of sudden cardiac death in the under 35s

It can be genetically inherited or have a different underlying cause

More Information on Cardiomyopathy

In this section you can find out more about the types, causes, diagnosis, treatment and ongoing preventative measures for Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy is classified into different types, each affecting the heart in a unique way:

1. Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)

The heart muscle stretches and thins, leading to an enlarged left ventricle that pumps blood less efficiently.

Causes:

  • Genetic mutations (familial DCM)
  • Viral infections (e.g., myocarditis)
  • Toxins (alcohol, chemotherapy drugs)
  • Autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus)

 

2. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)
The heart muscle thickens, particularly in the left ventricle, reducing the heart’s ability to fill and pump properly.

Causes:

  • Inherited genetic mutations (most common cause)
  • Hypertension (high blood pressure) can exacerbate thickening
  • HCM is the most common cause of sudden cardiac death in young athletes

3. Restrictive Cardiomyopathy (RCM)The heart muscle becomes stiff, restricting its ability to fill with blood between beats.

Causes:

  • Amyloidosis (abnormal protein deposits in the heart)
  • Sarcoidosis (inflammatory disease affecting multiple organs)
  • Hemochromatosis (excess iron buildup)

 

4. Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC)

Fat and fibrous tissue replace heart muscle, mainly in the right ventricle, causing electrical instability and arrhythmias.

Causes:

  • Genetic mutations (inherited condition).
  • More common in young adults and athletes.

 

5. Peripartum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM)

A rare type of cardiomyopathy that occurs during pregnancy or in the months after delivery.

Causes:

  • Likely due to hormonal, inflammatory, and vascular changes during pregnancy.

 

6. Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy (“Broken Heart Syndrome”)

A temporary weakening of the heart muscle, often triggered by severe emotional or physical stress.

Cause:

  • Surge of stress hormones (adrenaline, cortisol) affecting the heart.

Not everyone with cardiomyopathy experiences symptoms, but when they occur, they may include:
•       Breathlessness (especially during exertion or while lying down).
•       Swelling of the legs, feet, or abdomen (fluid retention/edema).
•       Dizziness or fainting (due to arrhythmias or reduced blood flow).
•       Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias).
•       Chest pain or discomfort (especially in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy).

In severe cases, cardiomyopathy can lead to heart failure or sudden cardiac arrest.

Cardiomyopathy is diagnosed using a combination of tests, including:

  • Electrocardiogram (ECG): Detects abnormal heart rhythms.
  • Echocardiogram (Heart Ultrasound): Assesses heart size, structure, and function.
  • Cardiac MRI: Provides detailed imaging of the heart muscle.
  • Genetic Testing: Helps identify inherited forms of cardiomyopathy.
  • Exercise Stress Test: Evaluates heart performance under exertion.

There is no cure for cardiomyopathy, but treatments can reduce symptoms, improve heart function, and prevent complications.

1. Medications

  • Beta-blockers (e.g., bisoprolol) – Reduce heart rate and strain on the heart.
  • ACE inhibitors/ARBs (e.g., ramipril, losartan) – Lower blood pressure and reduce heart failure symptoms.
  • Diuretics – Help remove excess fluid buildup.
  • Anticoagulants (Blood thinners) – Reduce stroke risk in patients with arrhythmias (e.g., atrial fibrillation).

2. Devices for Severe Cases

  • Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) – Monitors and shocks the heart if a dangerous rhythm occurs, preventing sudden cardiac arrest.
  • Pacemaker – Regulates slow heart rhythms.
  • Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) – Helps coordinate heart contractions in patients with heart failure.

3. Lifestyle Modifications

  • Exercise: Moderate activity is beneficial but should be tailored based on the type of cardiomyopathy.
  • Diet: Reducing salt, alcohol, and processed foods can help manage symptoms.
  • Avoiding Triggers: Patients with HCM or ARVC should avoid competitive sports due to the risk of sudden cardiac arrest.

4. Advanced Treatments

  • Heart Transplant – Considered in end-stage cardiomyopathy when other treatments fail.
  • Gene Therapy & Emerging Research – Future treatments may focus on genetic correction for inherited cardiomyopathies.

Key Facts

  • Cardiomyopathy can be inherited or develop due to other underlying causes.
  • It is the leading cause of sudden cardiac death in people under 35.
  • Affects approximately 1 in 250 people in the UK.

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Disclaimer: If you have a heart condition, please consult with your GP before making significant changes to your lifestyle.

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