When you have cardiomyopathy, your heart muscle thickens, making it harder for the heart to pump blood to the rest of your body. This condition can cause your heart to weaken over time, which can increase your risk of developing heart failure.

The 4 main types of cardiomyopathy are:

• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
• Dilated cardiomyopathy
• Restrictive cardiomyopathy
• Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy

In its early stages, cardiomyopathy may not have any symptoms at all. When symptoms do develop, they vary and may include:

• Shortness of breath, especially when lying flat or with exertion
• Lightheadedness
• Heart palpitations
• Swelling, also known as edema, in your legs, feet and abdomen
• Extreme fatigue
• Chest pain

Just because you have some of these symptoms doesn’t mean you have cardiomyopathy. But if you have symptoms, talk to your doctor to rule out other health conditions.

Certain behaviors, genetics and risk factors can increase your chances of developing cardiomyopathy. These include:

• High blood pressure: One-third of American adults have high blood pressure, or hypertension, which increases the risk of developing cardiomyopathy.
• Family history: If you have a family member who’s been diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, your risk increases.
• Infections: Infections in your heart can affect its function.
• Personal history: A previous heart attack, congenital heart defect, thyroid disease or radiation therapy from certain types of cancer can raise your risk.
• Lifestyle factors like drinking alcohol excessively, illicit drug use or being overweight can also raise your risk.

Many people with cardiomyopathy live full, active lives. Getting an early diagnosis, consistent treatment and working closely with your care team to manage your condition can help a lot.

Your doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan — whether that's lifestyle changes, medication or a more advanced procedure — to help you feel your best and protect your long-term heart health.

Cardiomyopathy and heart failure are related, but they’re not the same thing. Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle that makes it harder for your heart to pump blood effectively.

Heart failure is a condition that can be caused by cardiomyopathy. It happens when the heart muscle has weakened to the point that it can no longer pump enough blood to meet your body's needs.

Not everyone with cardiomyopathy will develop heart failure. But if your symptoms change or worsen, talk to your doctor.

Your doctor can use the following methods to better detect cardiomyopathy, including:

• Blood tests: These tests can also rule out any issues with your thyroid, liver or kidneys.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): This noninvasive test uses small sensors attached to your chest and arms to record your heart’s electrical activity.
• Chest X-ray: This allows your doctor to see the condition of your lungs and heart and potentially rule out other causes of your symptoms.
• Echocardiogram: A medical professional places a wand-like device on your chest and uses sound waves to create a video of your heart working.

Before your visit, make a list of anyone in your family with a heart condition and a list of your own diagnosed heart conditions.

During your appointment, we’ll talk with you about managing your cardiomyopathy. And we’ll perform minimally invasive tests to check your heart’s function. You and your doctor will work together to develop a treatment plan designed to help you stay as healthy as possible.