Cardiomyopathy: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

What is Cardiomyopathy?

Cardiomyopathy is a group of conditions that affect the heart muscle – the myocardium. It can make the heart muscle thick, enlarged, stiff, or scarred, and affects its blood pumping efficiency. Over time, some forms of cardiomyopathy can weaken the heart and lead to heart failure.

Symptoms of Cardiomyopathy

Symptoms of cardiomyopathy can vary from person to person and may worsen over time. Some people have no noticeable symptoms, while others may experience mild to severe symptoms that require medical assessment and treatment. Common symptoms include:

What Causes Cardiomyopathy?

The exact cause of cardiomyopathy is not always clear. It can be either inherited or linked to other heart conditions or risk factors. Some causes of cardiomyopathy include:

Types of Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy is the most common inherited heart muscle disease, causing the heart muscle, particularly the ventricular walls, to become abnormally thickened. This thickening can obstruct blood flow out of the heart and range from mild symptoms to more severe disease requiring specialist treatment.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated Cardiomyopathy causes one or more chambers of the heart, usually the left ventricle, to become enlarged and weakened, reducing the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively. It can have genetic or other causes, including damage from a heart attack, and may lead to complications such as heart failure.

Restrictive Cardiomyopathy (RCM)

In Restrictive Cardiomyopathy, the muscles of the heart’s lower chambers – the ventricles- become stiff and can’t properly fill with blood. It can increase pressure on your heart and lungs and may lead to fluid buildup and heart failure.

Less Common Types of Cardiomyopathy

What are the Risk Factors?

Cardiomyopathy can affect anyone; however, some people are more vulnerable due to the following risk factors:

Complications

Depending on the type and severity, cardiomyopathy can increase the risk of serious complications, including:

Our Specialists’ Diagnostic Approach to Cardiomyopathy

If you have symptoms of cardiomyopathy or just want to assess your risk, book a consultation with one of our cardiologists. Our specialists will investigate the problem through physical examination, review of family and medical history, and diagnostic tests for a more comprehensive assessment.

We offer same-day testing, with consultant-led interpretation of results – all on the same day of your appointment. Depending on your symptoms, medical history, and concerns, you may be advised to undergo one or more of the following investigations:

Treatment of Cardiomyopathy

While there is no cure for cardiomyopathy, lifestyle changes and the right treatment can help manage symptoms, slow down disease progression, and minimise the risk of future complications. Commonly used ways to treat cardiomyopathy include:

Lifestyle Adjustments

Medication

Medical Devices

If and when all other treatments have failed to provide relief to the patient, our specialists may recommend surgical and non-surgical procedures to treat structural or rhythm issues.

Why Choose The National Heart Clinic?

Our experienced cardiology specialists provide comprehensive assessment, advanced diagnostic testing, and personalised treatment plans to ensure each patient receives appropriate care. Early diagnosis and expert cardiology care can help identify the underlying cause of your symptoms and support effective long-term management.

Book a Private Consultation Today

Book an appointment with a cardiologist at The National Heart Clinic, Harley Street, London, and get expert assessment, accurate diagnosis, and a personalised treatment plan to manage your symptoms effectively.

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