Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy diseases differ depending on how they change the structure of the heart muscle.

The most common type of heart muscle disease is dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). This develops when the muscles of the left ventricle (one of the chambers in the heart) stretch and become thinner, making it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively around the body.

In another form, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), the walls of the heart chambers thicken, obstructing the flow of blood through the heart.

Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is a rare, probably genetic form of the disease, more likely to be diagnosed in children. The muscles of the heart chambers stiffen and become less flexible, meaning they can't relax fully after contracting and don't fill up with blood as much as they should.

With arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) or arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), there is a build-up of scar tissue or fat, which makes it harder for the heart to pump sufficient blood around the body. People with this form of the condition are much more likely to have heart rhythm problems (arrhythmia). It is more common in younger people, although it affects all ages, and is often linked to sudden cardiac events during exercising.

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, also known as 'broken heart syndrome', is a rare and usually temporary form of cardiomyopathy, where the left ventricle weakens and changes shape, usually following extremely stressful or traumatic events.

According to Cardiomyopathy UK, around 1 in 250 people are affected by heart muscle diseases.  If you're worried you might have cardiomyopathy, rest assured you'll be in the very best hands.

We provide rapid testing to get to the bottom of your symptoms and the most effective treatments for cardiomyopathy a diagnosis is confirmed.

Some cardiomyopathy conditions remain stable over time, whilst others can worsen, so it’s always important to seek diagnosis and treatment. 

Weakening of the heart muscles can eventually lead to heart failure, and also increases your risk of other serious conditions such as blood clots and cardiac arrests. However, some cases of cardiomyopathy need no treatment.

The symptoms of cardiomyopathy are associated with other heart conditions, so it's best to see a doctor as soon as you can if you suspect any heart symptoms.

Call emergency services on 999 or go straight to A&E if you have any of the following symptoms: 

• Loss of consciousness
• Intense pain or discomfort in your chest
• Severe breathing difficulties

• Exercise regularly (but gently if you're at greater risk during activity)
• Reduce stress levels
• Get enough sleep
• Eat a healthy and balanced diet
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Avoid smoking
• Avoid recreational drugs
• Avoid or reduce your consumption of alcohol
• Manage any underlying conditions (such as diabetes)

Treatment for cardiomyopathy may start with a combination of medications to lower the risks associated with high blood pressure, abnormal heart rate or rhythm, excess fluid build-up and blood clotting. These should help your heart to function more normally and improve blood flow around your body. Your consultant may prescribe:

• Blood thinners (anticoagulants) to manage risk of blood clots
• ACE inhibitors to relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure
• Beta-blockers to manage heart rate, heartbeat irregularities and the symptoms of heart failure
• Diuretics to help your body release excess salt and water
• Antiarrhythmics to stabilise the heart rhythm
• Other tailored treatments for symptom relief

In more urgent cases of cardiomyopathy, a range of surgical and non-surgical procedures can be very helpful to provide relief for the heart and prevent further complications. These include:

• Cardioversion or ablation: If you have heart rate or rhythm issues because of cardiomyopathy disease, you may require a procedure to correct the abnormalities. Cardioversion sends electrical signals to your heart through electrodes placed on your chest, while ablation burns or freezes certain areas of heart tissue that are causing the irregularities.
• Septal ablation or myectomy: For those with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, treatment may be needed to reduce the size of the wall that divides the left and right side of the heart (septum). A septal ablation uses alcohol to shrink a small part of the septum, while a myectomy involves the surgical removal of some of the enlarged muscle.
• Heart transplants: This is a last resort if other treatments for cardiomyopathy haven't been effective.

In some cases, you may need a small device implanted in your chest to manage arrhythmias and support heart function. These can include:

• Pacemakers: These devices control your heart rate by sending electrical signals. A pacemaker is usually implanted under the skin in a procedure done under local anaesthetic.
• Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD): If you have an irregular heart rhythm, ICDs track your heart rhythm and provide controlled electric shocks to prevent you from suffering a cardiac arrest. They're also placed under the skin and can be implanted under local anaesthetic.
• Ventricular assist devices (VAD): These devices help your heart pump blood around the body. VADs can be used as a long-term solution or while you're waiting for a heart transplant, usually only if other less invasive treatments haven't been effective.

The symptoms of cardiomyopathy can also be associated with a range of other heart conditions, so it's best to see a doctor as soon as you can if you’re experiencing any of them.

We offer same-day or next-day GP appointments for peace of mind. If you’ve already seen a GP, you can request a referral from your GP or insurer to one of our cardiovascular specialists.

If you experience loss of consciousness, intense chest pain lasting for more than a few minutes, or severe breathing difficulties, call 999 immediately or go to A&E.