The four signs of cardiomyopathy are shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling in the ankles or legs and heart palpitations.
Heart palpitations are irregular or pounding heartbeats, which can be felt in your chest.
Swelling in your ankles or your legs can occur with cardiomyopathy as a result of fluid buildup in your lower extremities due to poor blood circulation.
Fatigue, in which you often feel tired or weak even with little activity is also another sign of cardiomyopathy.
And shortness of breath, in which you have difficulty breathing, especially during any exertion or when lying down can occur with cardiomyopathy.
Cardiomyopathy is a disease of your heart muscle, which makes it harder for your heart to pump blood as effectively as it normally could.
Cardiomyopathy can be caused by various different factors, including heart conditions, genetics and even lifestyle choices including not getting enough physical activity or exercise and living a sedentary life.
Treatment options for cardiomyopathy vary, depending on the severity and type of cardiomyopathy, but treatment options for cardiomyopathy include medication, surgery and in some cases a heart transplant.
Most people with cardiomyopathy, especially those with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can expect to live a normal or at least near normal lifespan with proper care and management and lifestyle adjustments.
Although some forms of cardiomyopathy can also lead to severe heart failure and can in some cases reduce life expectancy significantly.