Cardiomyopathy Living With

---

Cardiomyopathy can lead to other health problems. If you have cardiomyopathy, talk to your healthcare provider about heart-healthy lifestyle changes and routine medical care to help manage your condition.

Cardiomyopathy often runs in families. Your blood relatives may also have this condition and may need to visit their providers to get checked or have genetic testing.

Cardiomyopathy can cause the following health problems in the heart and brain.

• Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat): Cardiomyopathy can affect the electrical signals in your heart that control your heart rate and rhythm.
• Cardiac arrest: Cardiomyopathy can cause your heart to stop beating suddenly and unexpectedly.
• Cardiogenic shock: This is a life-threatening condition that occurs when your heart can’t pump enough blood and oxygen to your brain, kidneys, and other important organs.
• Heart failure: This serious condition happens when your heart doesn’t pump enough blood for your body’s needs.
• Heart valve disease: Cardiomyopathy can damage your heart valves, which are flaps of tissue in your heart that open and close with each heartbeat. Your heart valves make sure that blood flows correctly through your heart's four chambers and to the rest of your body.
• Stroke: Cardiomyopathy weakens the heart, making it hard to pump blood well. Blood can pool in the chambers of your heart and cause a  blood clot . If a clot breaks off and travels to your brain, it can cause a life-threatening stroke.

Your provider may ask you to make lifelong heart-healthy lifestyle changes. These can help reduce risks and prevent complications.

• Aim for a healthy weight. Overweight or obesity can make your heart work harder.
• Choose heart-healthy foods. Your provider may suggest choosing foods that are lower in  sodium (salt) and fat. Talk with your provider about the amounts and types of fluids that are safe and healthy for you. Too much fluid can make your  symptoms worse.
• Get quality sleep. Sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, can make your symptoms worse. A test can help diagnose a sleep disorder.
• Get regular physical activity. Ask your provider what types and amounts of exercise are safe for you. This will depend on the type of cardiomyopathy that you have and whether you have any symptoms or problems. For example, vigorous exercise may raise your risk of an irregular heartbeat and sudden cardiac arrest. Your provider may ask you to avoid competitive sports and high-intensity activities.
• Manage stress. Extreme stress can cause cardiomyopathy or trigger an irregular heartbeat. Having a positive mindset, a sense of purpose in life, rewarding social connections, and an ability to “bounce back” from challenges can improve your heart health.
• Quit smoking. Smoking raises your risk of other heart conditions that can make your cardiomyopathy worse.
• Limit your alcohol intake. The limit for men is no more than two drinks a day. For women, it is one drink a day.
• Do not misuse medicines or use substances. Examples of substances include amphetamines and cocaine.

Cardiac rehabilitation can help you learn how to make lifestyle changes to improve your quality of life.

If you have cardiomyopathy, it's important to get ongoing care.

• Keep all your medical appointments. Bring a list of all the medicines you take to every visit. You may need routine heart tests and blood tests to check how well your treatment is working.
• Get regular screenings. If you have a type of  inherited cardiomyopathy but no symptoms, regular screenings can help your provider check your heart health. Screening may include heart and blood tests.
• Take your medicines as prescribed and stick to your treatment and cardiac rehabilitation plan. Do not stop taking any medicines unless your provider tells you to do so.
• Tell your provider if you have side effects from your medicines, such as depression, dizziness, or feeling as if your heart is skipping a beat.
• Tell your provider if your symptoms are getting worse or if you have new symptoms. New symptoms might include swelling in your ankles, feet, legs, abdomen, or  veins in the neck. They may be a sign  that your cardiomyopathy is getting worse.

If you develop serious complications of cardiomyopathy, you may experience fear, anxiety, depression, and stress. Talk with your healthcare provider or a counselor. They can help you find or learn ways to cope.

• Get treatment for depression. If you are depressed, your provider may recommend medicines or other treatments to improve your quality of life.
• Join a patient support group. You can learn how other people who have similar symptoms have coped with them. Your provider may be able to help you find local support groups, or you can check with an area medical center.
• Seek support from family and friends. Let your loved ones know how you feel and what they can do to help. Their support can help lower your stress and anxiety.
• Know your treatment options. If your condition becomes very serious, palliative or hospice care can improve your quality of life and help make your daily life more comfortable. This type of care focuses on managing your symptoms, helping you avoid unnecessary tests or treatments, and providing support to your loved ones.