Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy (sometimes called heart muscle disease) is a group of diseases that affect the heart, impacting its ability to pump blood effectively around the body. Over time, it may lead to heart failure or irregular heart rhythms.

At Mayo Clinic Healthcare, we offer expert-led analysis and specialist care for cardiomyopathy. Our experienced cardiology team provides comprehensive assessment, advanced diagnostics, and access to innovative treatment options.
Cardiomyopathy has various forms, and each type affects your heart muscle in a different way.

Dilated cardiomyopathy is the most common type of cardiomyopathy. The heart’s main pumping chambers (called ventricles) become enlarged and stretched, and as a result, your heart cannot pump blood as well as it should.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is where the heart muscle becomes thickened. The thickened muscle makes it difficult for blood to leave the heart and can lead to abnormal heart rhythms.

Restrictive cardiomyopathy is a rarer form of cardiomyopathy, where the heart muscle becomes stiff, preventing the ventricles from filling properly between beats.

Our specialists also care for people with rare or inherited heart muscle diseases, including:

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD). A condition where the right ventricle's muscle is replaced by scar tissue, leading to irregular heart rhythms.

Channelopathies. Genetic heart muscle disorders that affect the heart's electrical system and can increase the risk of sudden cardiac death.

Unclassified cardiomyopathy. Other rare or mixed forms of heart muscle disease.
Symptoms of cardiomyopathy vary, and many symptoms only appear once the condition has progressed.

Common symptoms include:

Shortness of breath, particularly after physical activity

Chest pain, particularly after physical activity

Irregular heartbeats, also known as arrhythmias

Swelling in the legs, ankles or feet

Dizziness and fainting

Constant fatigue

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should seek medical advice. Early assessment can help medical professionals to identify the cause, work out which course of cardiomyopathy treatment is most relevant, and reduce the risk of complications.
To diagnose cardiomyopathy, your cardiologist will assess your symptoms, review your medical history, and carry out specialised heart tests. These tests help identify the type of cardiomyopathy and how well your heart is functioning.

These tests include:

Blood tests, looking for underlying causes or signs of heart strain

Chest X-ray to check the size and shape of your heart

Echocardiograms, which use sound waves to create images of the beating heart

Electrocardiogram, commonly known as an ECG, which measures the electrical activity of the heart

Exercise stress tests to assess your heart under exertion

CT coronary angiography, a specialised X-ray test that uses contrast dye to check blood flow

Cardiac MRI, which provides detailed images of the heart muscle

Cardiac CT scan to evaluate heart structure and coronary arteries

Genetic testing, if an inherited form of cardiomyopathy is suspected

At Mayo Clinic Healthcare, all these tests can be performed in one location. Your care team can review results quickly and develop a personalised treatment plan.
Some types of cardiomyopathy can also be passed down genetically. If a close family member has been diagnosed with a heart muscle disease, your risk may be higher.

Other factors that can increase your risk of cardiomyopathy include:

A history of high blood pressure

Coronary artery disease

Diabetes

Obesity

Long-term excessive alcohol consumption

Viral infections that affect the heart

A previous heart attack

Having one or more risk factors for cardiomyopathy does not mean you will develop the disease. However, understanding your risks can help you and your doctor take steps to protect your health.
Your cardiomyopathy treatment will be dependent on the severity of your heart muscle disease. The main goal of treatment is to improve your heart’s function, relieve symptoms, and reduce the risk of complications such as heart failure.

Medication
Many people can be treated with medication to help the heart work more efficiently.

Beta blockers can be used to slow heart rate

ACE inhibitors can lower blood pressure and improve blood flow

Diuretics can reduce swelling

Blood thinners (also known as anticoagulants) lower the risk of blood clots

Your cardiologist will tailor medication to your specific condition.
Non-surgical therapy
Some procedures can be performed without open surgery.

Septal ablation is used primarily for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. A small amount of alcohol is delivered through a catheter to shrink a small portion of thickened heart muscle and improve the flow of blood.

Other types of catheter ablation may be used to treat abnormal heart rhythms.
Implantable devices
In more advanced cases, implantable devices or surgery may be recommended to help your heart pump effectively.

A pacemaker can be used to help control slow or irregular heartbeats.

An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) monitors your heart rhythm and can deliver a shock if a dangerous rhythm occurs.

Cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) uses a specialised pacemaker to coordinate the heart’s pumping action.

A ventricular assist device (VAD) is a mechanical pump that helps move blood from the lower chambers of your heart to the rest of your body.

In the most severe of cases, a heart transplant may be considered.
Treatment for dilated cardiomyopathy
Treatment for dilated cardiomyopathy focuses on improving the heart’s pumping function, as well as reducing strain on the weakened heart muscle. As such, ACE inhibitors or beta blockers will often be the first solution. In more advanced cases, implantable devices may be recommended to support heart rhythm and function.

Your consultant will discuss with you all your options and personalise your treatment based on your risk factors.
Whilst inherited types of cardiomyopathy cannot be prevented, you can reduce certain lifestyle-related risks.

Eat a healthy diet

Get regular exercise

Control any other conditions you have, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes

Reduce ongoing stress where possible

Private health insurance

Mayo Clinic Healthcare works with all major private health insurance providers, including AXA PPP, Aviva, BUPA, Vitality Health and WPA. Self-pay arrangements are also available.

If you’re concerned about possible cardiomyopathy, our team is here to help guide you through the next steps. Request an appointment with us today.

Cardiomyopathy

Medication

Non-surgical therapy

Implantable devices

Treatment for dilated cardiomyopathy

Private health insurance