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Cardiomyopathy
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Blood Heart Circulation

Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy refers to diseases of the heart muscle that can cause it to enlarge, thicken, or become rigid, potentially impacting the heart's ability to pump blood.

Cardiomyopathy is the name for diseases of the heart muscle. These diseases enlarge your heart muscle or make it thicker and more rigid than normal. In rare cases, scar tissue replaces the muscle tissue.

Some people live long, healthy lives with cardiomyopathy. Some people don't even realize they have it. In others, however, it can make the heart less able to pump blood through the body. This can cause serious complications, including:

  • Heart failure
  • Abnormal heart rhythms
  • Heart valve problems
  • Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA)

Heart attacks, high blood pressure, infections, and other diseases can all cause cardiomyopathy. Some types of cardiomyopathy run in families. In many people, however, the cause is unknown. Treatment might involve medicines, surgery, other medical procedures, and lifestyle changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, several types of cardiomyopathy, particularly hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and dilated cardiomyopathy, have a genetic component and can run in families. If a family member is diagnosed with a genetic form of cardiomyopathy, first-degree relatives (parents, siblings, and children) should be evaluated by a cardiologist. Screening typically involves an echocardiogram and an electrocardiogram (ECG) to check for structural or electrical abnormalities, even if they are asymptomatic, to enable early intervention and monitoring.
Early symptoms of cardiomyopathy are often subtle and can be mistaken for general fatigue or aging. Common early signs include shortness of breath during mild activity or when lying flat, persistent fatigue or weakness, swelling in the legs, ankles, or abdomen, and a rapid or irregular heartbeat. Because these symptoms overlap with other conditions like asthma or heart failure, it is important to report them to a healthcare provider for evaluation, especially if they are progressive or accompanied by dizziness or fainting.
Exercise recommendations depend on the type and severity of cardiomyopathy and the level of heart function. For many patients with stable, well-managed cardiomyopathy, moderate, low-impact aerobic activities like walking or swimming are beneficial and recommended to maintain cardiovascular fitness. However, high-intensity or competitive sports may be restricted, especially in cases of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, due to the increased risk of arrhythmias or sudden cardiac arrest. A cardiologist will usually prescribe a specific exercise plan based on individual cardiac function and risk assessment.
Recovery timelines vary significantly depending on the procedure and the patient's overall health. After less invasive procedures like pacemaker or ICD implantation, most patients recover within one to two weeks, with restrictions on arm movement and heavy lifting for about four to six weeks. After major surgeries like a heart transplant or ventricular assist device (VAD) implantation, hospital stays can last several weeks, and full recovery at home may take three to six months. Physical therapy and cardiac rehabilitation are often essential components of the recovery process to rebuild strength and improve quality of life.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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