Cardiomyopathy: symptoms, causes and which doctor to see

For cardiomyopathy you can first see: Cardiology. If you are not sure, a family doctor (general practitioner) can assess you first and refer you to the right specialist.

Common symptoms: shortness of breath on exertion; tiredness; swelling of the legs; palpitations; chest pain or fainting during exertion. Symptoms vary from person to person; a doctor’s examination is needed for a diagnosis.

The most common causes: genetic tendency; a previous heart attack and coronary artery disease; alcohol and drugs; after myocarditis; some chemotherapy medicines; peripartum cardiomyopathy (late pregnancy or after birth). Only a doctor’s examination can determine the exact cause.

Depending on the type, treatment includes medicines, rhythm devices (pacemaker, defibrillator) and, if needed, surgical procedures. With some causes (alcohol, pregnancy), heart function can recover.

It is more common in: people with a family history of cardiomyopathy; people who drink alcohol; people receiving chemotherapy; women after giving birth.

Echocardiography, ECG, cardiac MRI, Holter monitoring and, if needed, genetic tests are done.

Family screening, avoiding alcohol, and blood pressure and sugar control.

It may not go away completely, but treatment markedly reduces symptoms and risks.

Some types, especially hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, run in families; first-degree relatives should be screened.

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, call 112 without delay: “Have you fainted or had chest pain during exertion?” “Are you unable to breathe when lying down?” “Is there confusion, fainting or difficulty waking up?” “Is there facial drooping, slurred speech or sudden weakness in an arm or leg?” “Are you struggling to breathe even at rest?”

See a doctor: shortness of breath on exertion or palpitations; for screening if there has been sudden death at a young age or cardiomyopathy in the family.