Cardiomyopathies

Medically written by
Dr David Chandrakumar
BMed, MD, FRACP
Cardiologist
Consultant Cardiologist
Last reviewed: May 2026

Cardiomyopathies can affect how well your heart works. They may not cause noticeable symptoms at first, but over time, they may make it harder for your heart to perform its core function – pumping blood and nutrients  around your body.

At Complete Health Australia, we provide expert assessment and personalised care to help you understand your heart health and take the most appropriate next steps.

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What are cardiomyopathies?

Cardiomyopathies are a group of conditions that change the structure or function of the heart muscle. These changes can affect the strength of the heart’s pumping function, or slow down the speed at which the heart fills with blood  between beats. In some cases, the heart muscle may become thickened and stiff, while in others the heart expands in size (dilation). This can place extra strain on the heart and, in the long term, may lead to complications such as heart failure or arrhythmias (an irregular heart rhythm).

Cardiomyopathies can affect people of all ages. Some develop gradually, while others may be inherited and run in families.

Types of cardiomyopathy

There are several types of cardiomyopathy, each affecting the heart muscle in different ways. Understanding the specific type can help guide diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management.

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)

Dilated cardiomyopathy happens when the heart muscle becomes enlarged and weakened, which reduces its ability to pump blood effectively.

This is one of the most common types of cardiomyopathy.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) happens when the heart muscle becomes thickened. This can make it harder for the heart to fill properly and may affect blood flow. This can be due to an inherited condition or even long-term high blood pressure.

Restrictive cardiomyopathy

Restrictive cardiomyopathy happens when the heart muscle becomes stiff and less flexible. This limits how well the heart fills with blood between beats.

Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy

Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy happens when parts of the heart muscle are gradually replaced with scar or fatty tissue. This can disrupt the heart’s electrical signals and lead to arrhythmias

Each type can vary in severity and how it affects daily life. A thorough assessment helps your specialist determine the exact type and plan the most appropriate approach to care.

What causes cardiomyopathies?

Cardiomyopathies can develop for a range of reasons. In some people, the cause is clearly identified, while in others, it may not be possible to confirm.

Some cardiomyopathies are inherited, meaning they’re passed down through families due to genetic changes that affect the heart muscle. Others can develop over time as a result of underlying health conditions or external factors.

Common causes and contributing factors include:

• Long-term high blood pressure
• Coronary artery disease
• Previous heart infections (such as myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle)
• Conditions like diabetes, kidney disease or thyroid disorders
• Excessive alcohol intake or certain drug use

In some cases, cardiomyopathy develops without a clear cause. This is known as idiopathic cardiomyopathy. 

Where possible, identifying any underlying factors helps guide the most appropriate management and ongoing care. 

Cardiomyopathy symptoms

Cardiomyopathy doesn’t always cause noticeable symptoms, especially in the early stages. As the condition progresses, symptoms may develop as the heart loses the ability to effectively pump blood around the body.

Common symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath, especially during activity or when lying flat
• Fatigue or reduced ability to exercise
• Swelling in the legs, ankles or feet
• Chest discomfort or pain
• Palpitations or a feeling that your heart is racing, fluttering or skipping beats
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Fainting, particularly during physical exertion

These symptoms can vary depending on the type and severity of cardiomyopathy. Some people may experience only mild symptoms, while others may notice a bigger effect on daily life.

If you notice any of these symptoms, especially if they’re new or worsening, it’s important to seek medical advice for further assessment.

How are cardiomyopathies diagnosed?

Diagnosing cardiomyopathy usually involves a combination of clinical assessment, imaging tests and heart rhythm monitoring.

They may begin by discussing your symptoms, medical history and any family history of heart conditions. A physical examination can also provide important information about how your heart is working.

Your specialist may recommend one or more of the following tests:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG) – to assess your heart’s electrical activity and rhythm
• Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) – to evaluate the size, structure and pumping function of your heart. This is one of the most useful tests when diagnosing a cardiomyopathy
• Cardiac MRI scan – to provide detailed images of the heart muscle and identify areas of damage or scarring
• Blood tests – to check for underlying conditions that may be affecting your heart
• Exercise or stress testing – to see how your heart performs during physical activity
• Holter monitoring or other wearable devices – to track your heart rhythm over longer periods of time

In some cases, genetic testing may be recommended, particularly if there is a family history of cardiomyopathy.

Bringing these results together allows your specialist to confirm the diagnosis, identify the type of cardiomyopathy and plan the most appropriate treatment for you. 

Cardiomyopathy treatment

Treatment for cardiomyopathy focuses on improving how your heart functions, managing symptoms and reducing the risk of complications. The most appropriate approach will depend on the type of cardiomyopathy, its severity and any underlying causes.

In many cases, treatment involves a combination of medication and lifestyle adjustments. Medicines may be prescribed to  improve heart function, control blood pressure or manage an irregular heart rhythm.  You may be advised to make changes that support your heart health, such as reducing salt intake, limiting alcohol, staying physically active within your limits and managing other health conditions Your specialist will tailor this to your individual needs.

For some people, additional treatments may be recommended, including:

• Implantable devices – such as a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), to help regulate heart rhythm
• Procedures or surgery – depending on the type of cardiomyopathy and how it’s affecting blood flow

In more advanced cases, referral to a specialist  transplant centre may be required to manage complications and support quality of life.

With the right care and follow-up, many people with cardiomyopathy are able to manage their condition effectively and maintain an active lifestyle. 

Access dedicated cardiology care with Complete Health Australia

If you have symptoms that may be affecting your heart or you have been diagnosed with a cardiomyopathy, our cardiology team is here to help. From diagnosis through to ongoing management, we focus on giving you the clarity and confidence to take the next step in your care. 

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Meet our cardiology specialists

Our experienced cardiology specialists provide expert care across a wide range of heart conditions, including cardiomyopathies. They take a personalised approach, ensuring you feel informed, supported and confident in your care at every stage. Our cardiologists work as part of a wider clinic team, so if additional specialists are required, they can seamlessly integrate others into your care. 

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