Symptoms of Cardiomyopathy
Symptoms of cardiomyopathy can develop slowly or appear suddenly, depending on the type and severity. Common symptoms of cardiomyopathy include shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling in the legs, irregular heartbeats, and chest discomfort.
Shortness of breath (dyspnoea) often worsens with exertion or when lying flat. This occurs because the heart struggles to pump efficiently, causing fluid to back up into the lungs.
Fatigue and weakness result from reduced blood flow to muscles and organs. Even routine activities like walking or climbing stairs may feel exhausting.
Swelling in the legs, ankles, and abdomen (oedema) is another hallmark. It reflects fluid build-up due to poor heart function, especially in dilated or restrictive cardiomyopathy.
Palpitations or sensations of a racing, fluttering, or skipping heartbeat may indicate arrhythmias. Some people may also experience dizziness or fainting, particularly in hypertrophic or arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy where abnormal rhythms are more common.
Chest pain can occur, although it is less common unless the cardiomyopathy is linked to coronary artery disease. It usually appears during exertion or stress and may resemble angina.
Other symptoms may include:
- Persistent cough
- Reduced exercise tolerance
- Sleep disturbances
- Low blood pressure or light-headedness
Symptoms of Cardiomyopathy
In early stages, symptoms may be mild or absent. As the disease progresses, they become more pronounced and can significantly affect daily life.
Recognising symptoms of cardiomyopathy early allows for quicker intervention, which can improve outcomes and prevent complications such as heart failure, stroke, or cardiac arrest.
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