What is it?
Cardiomyopathy is a general name for heart disorders that affects the ability of the heart to pump blood. This may lead to heart failure.
What are the symptoms?
Cardiomyopathy manifests as:
- Breathlessness.
- Fatigue.
- Swelling of the feet, ankles and legs.
- cough that can be incessant especially when lying down.
- Heart palpitations.
- Chest pain.
- Dizziness.
- Lightheadedness and possibly fainting.
What to expect?
If you are diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, it is important to work closely with your doctor or health provider and to stick to the treatment plan. You can consider discussing the following subjects with your doctor:
- Do you need a stricter control of other medical conditions you may have, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, to prevent complications?
- What treatment options do you have?
- A healthy diet, quitting smoking and an active lifestyle can help improve overall health and well-being and help in preventing complications of cardiomyopathy. Which changes can you make in your lifestyle?
- How often do you need to be visiting your doctor?