Cardiomyopathy

When part of your heart muscle becomes stiff, it disrupts the heart's electrical system, causing an irregular rhythm (arrhythmia).

While a serious heart condition like this can be overwhelming, our vascular physicians and surgeons are among the nation’s best.

Signs and symptoms of cardiomyopathy

The most common form of this illness is called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. It’s a genetic condition that causes the walls of your heart chamber to thicken, reducing blood flow in and out of the heart.

The UCI Health team of heart experts is dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of this complex and sometimes underdiagnosed condition. 

Some cardiomyopathy symptoms are similar to those of other types of cardiac illnesses:

• Abdominal bloating
• Chest pain or pressure
• Cough or congestion
• Dizziness 
• Extreme fatigue
• Fainting or passing out, especially after physical activity
• Heart murmur
• Possible fatal arrhythmia (irregular or abnormal heart rate)
• Shortness of breath
• Sleeping difficulties
• Swelling of the ankles, legs or feet
• Tiredness or exhaustion when trying to exercise 

When to seek care for cardiomyopathy

Pay attention if you have any of the familiar symptoms of a heart problem, especially arrhythmia, shortness of breath, or chest pressure. Please go to the emergency room or urgent care right away for any or all the listed symptoms. 

You can reach out directly to seek care at our Arrhythmia Care program or the Heart Failure Services program. 

Types of cardiomyopathy

There are several subtypes of cardiomyopathy, including: 

• Dilated cardiomyopathy 
• Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) 
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
• Peripartum (postpartum) cardiomyopathy (PPCM)
• Restrictive cardiomyopathy
• Takotsubo cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy diagnosis at UCI Health

If your heart muscle has stiffened, causing it to lose its ability to pump blood effectively, you may have cardiomyopathy. One of the leading causes of cardiomyopathy is a viral infection in the heart.

There are other potential causes for this condition though, including:

• Chemotherapy and other cancer treatments
• Congenital heart disease
• Diabetes
• Fast heartbeat
• Genetic abnormalities
• Medications
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Smoking

Sometimes, the cause is unknown. This condition primarily affects teens and young adults, and it can lead to sudden cardiac arrest in young athletes.

Diagnostic tests we use

• Genetic testing 
• Ultrasound 
• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) 
• Holter or event monitor 
• Exercise stress test 
• Cardiac MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)

Cardiomyopathy treatment at UCI Health

To offer you the most comprehensive treatment, our specialists take a multi-disciplinary approach to care. They collaborate closely with advanced cardiac imaging and noninvasive cardiology, electrophysiology, medical genetics, interventional cardiology and cardiac surgery. 

Advanced treatment options

At UCI Health, we have a robust program of clinical trials that are available for a wide spectrum of medical conditions. If there’s a cardiomyopathy trial and you qualify, you may gain access to medications not yet widely available.

In addition, there are other leading-edge treatments such as surgical and minimally invasive procedures that could be right for you. You and your doctor will discuss what is best for your specific case.

Why choose UCI Health for cardiomyopathy

We are Orange County’s only center dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of cardiomyopathy

We understand the challenges and concerns that you and your family face daily. Our multidisciplinary, fellowship-trained team will guide you every step of the way. 

UCI Health offers the full range of procedures and devices for patients with severe heart problems

We are Orange County’s most advanced and comprehensive cardiovascular disease services program. Our care ranges from implants, critical life support, and heart/lung failure to reducing heart attack risks with life-changing health coaching. We will help you improve your quality of life.

Many of our heart and vascular physicians and surgeons are recognized as the Best Doctors in America®

Together, they work with a highly skilled team of cardiothoracic and vascular surgeons, nurse practitioners, nurses, dietitians and exercise physiologists. All of them are dedicated to providing you with innovative and compassionate care.