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 and symptoms.

Cardiomyopathy can affect people of any age, but it is rare in children.

There are different types of cardiomyopathy, and they can each affect you in different ways.

These are some types of cardiomyopathy:

• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, where the walls of your heart become thicker. 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 cause problems with your heart's electrical activity, causing irregular heart rhythms.

Symptoms of cardiomyopathy can include:

• shortness of breath or trouble breathing, particularly when lying down
• chest pain or discomfort
• heart palpitations (an awareness of your heart beating)
• lightheadedness or fainting
• fatigue (feeling very tired)
• swelling in your legs due to fluid retention

Symptoms can vary depending on the type and severity of cardiomyopathy you have. Some people have no symptoms, or their symptoms may be very mild.

Symptoms in babies and children

Children may become more breathless than other children their age. They may also feel tired, have chest pain, heart palpitations and fainting.

In babies, you might notice heavy breathing (Opens in new tab) or sweating while they are feeding, blue lips or poor weight gain.

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

Often the cause of cardiomyopathy is unknown.

Sometimes cardiomyopathy is inherited (runs in families). You may know of other family members with this condition, or you may be the first family member to be diagnosed. Genetic causes are among the most common causes of some types of cardiomyopathy.

Cardiomyopathy can also be caused by:

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

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

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.

Your 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.

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

• lifestyle changes
• medicines
• surgery
• a device to help your heart beat regularly, such as a pacemaker or an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)

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

Lifestyle changes may support your general heart health 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.

Cardiomyopathy can cause complications such as:

• heart failure
• abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
• blood clots

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

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

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

For more information about cardiomyopathy, talk to your doctor or visit the Cardiomyopathy Australia New Zealand (Opens in new tab) website.

The Heart Foundation (Opens in new tab) also has information on cardiomyopathy (Opens in new tab).

Call the Quitline (Opens in new tab) on 137848 for help with quitting smoking.

Visit AlcoholThinkAgain (Opens in new tab) for help with alcohol.

Languages other than English

The Heart Foundation has information on heart health (Opens in new tab) available in many community languages.

If you need an interpreter, ask your doctor or call the Translating and Interpreting Service (Opens in new tab) (TIS National) on 131 450. 

Call the Quitline Interpreter Service — if you prefer a language other than English, call 13 7848 and ask for an interpreter. They will call you back with an interpreter in your language.

Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

Find an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO) or Affiliate (Opens in new tab) near you.

The Heart Foundation has information on healthy eating (Opens in new tab) for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Get tips on quitting smoking by calling Quitline (Opens in new tab) for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Communities — call 13 7848.

Read the Alcohol and Drug Foundation fact sheet on alcohol and how to stay safe (Opens in new tab).