How to Recognize Symptoms of Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy is a serious condition in which the heart muscles become inflamed. As a result, the heart is unable to properly pump blood through the body. Although serious, cardiomyopathy is treatable. Unfortunately, the condition often goes undiagnosed, and many people disregard the symptoms.

Things You'll Need

• Echocardiogram

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Instructions

• 1

  Have breathlessness after little or no exertion. It’s normal to feel tired or breathless after working out. However, people who suffer from cardiomyopathy may experience breathlessness after performing low-energy tasks and while resting.

• 2

  Notice swollen legs, feet and ankles. A common symptom of cardiomyopathy is swelling. Some people swell after an injury or as a result of consuming too much salt. On the other hand, people who have this heart condition may deal with unusual swelling that occurs for no apparent reason.

• 3

  Detect abdominal bloating or discomfort. Several medical conditions cause abdominal bloating. Cardiomyopathy sufferers may experience periodic bloating or abdominal distention. Their stomachs may feel hard or tight and their clothes may not fit properly.

• 4

  Feel fatigue and sleepiness. When the heart isn’t able to pump blood through the body, oxygen doesn’t flow properly. As a result, people who have cardiomyopathy often feel extremely tired. Fatigue may be so severe that they’re unable to get out of bed or hold their head up. Additionally, sufferers may feel light-headed, experience dizziness and occasionally pass out.

• 5

  Develop a heart murmur. An irregular or fluttering heart beat is a key symptom of this heart condition. Patients are diagnosed with cardiomyopathy after having an echocardiogram to investigate the heart murmur.