Cardiomyopathy is a group of serious, yet often missed heart muscle conditions. At Sentara, we offer the expertise and individualized care needed to diagnose all types of cardiomyopathy. We also provide the latest treatments, including left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs).
Cardiomyopathy is a condition that causes the heart muscle to become too thin or too thick. These changes make it difficult for the heart to pump blood. As a result, there is a higher risk of heart failure, heart rhythm problems and even sudden death.
Cardiomyopathies can be present at birth or occur later in life. They may be inherited, idiopathic (have no known cause) or the result of an underlying condition. The most common cardiomyopathies are:
- Dilated cardiomyopathy: Heart muscle in your main pumping chamber (left ventricle) stretches and thins out (dilates). As it does, your ventricle expands and weakens. Dilated cardiomyopathy is a common cause of heart failure.
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: Heart muscle in the left chamber thickens and becomes stiff. Some people with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy don't have any symptoms. But it can cause life-threatening arrhythmias in others.
In the early stages, you may not experience any symptoms. As cardiomyopathy progresses, however, you will probably start to experience some. Symptoms of cardiomyopathy include:
- Shortness of breath, even at rest
- Swelling of legs, ankles and feet (called edema)
- Abdominal bloating
- Fatigue
- Irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias)
- Dizziness and fainting
Hereditary factors and certain diseases and conditions may increase your risk of cardiomyopathy, including:
- Alcoholism
- Coronary heart disease
- Diabetes and other metabolic diseases
- Family history of cardiomyopathy, heart failure or sudden cardiac arrest
- Heart attack
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Viral infection that inflames the heart
We will begin by asking you about your symptoms and medical and family history. Then we will perform a thorough physical examination. If your doctor suspects cardiomyopathy, he or she will order diagnostic tests, possibly including:
- Chest X-ray
- Echocardiogram, an ultrasound of your heart
- Electrocardiogram (EKG), a noninvasive test to measure your heart’s electrical impulses
- Cardiac catheterization
- Cardiac MRI
Please learn more about our cardiac imaging services.
Our experts develop a treatment plan for your type of cardiomyopathy. Depending on your needs, they'll recommend medical management, supportive heart devices, minimally invasive procedures and surgery. Learn more about our advanced treatments and cardiac rehab at Sentara.
Call 1-800-SENTARA (1-800-736-8272) to learn more.