Cardiomyopathy: Patient Education from University of Colorado Hospital
Living With Cardiomyopathy
Understanding and recognizing the symptoms of cardiomyopathy will help you to live with the condition. Symptoms of cardiomyopathy include:
- Fatigue, weakness and shortness of breath
- Arrhythmias
- Abnormal sounds during the heartbeat, know as a heart murmur
- Dizziness and lightheadedness after exertion
- Swelling in the stomach, legs, ankles and/or feet
The most important thing to do if you have cardiomyopathy is to carefully monitor and manage your health by taking all prescribed medications, seeing your doctor regularly and making any needed lifestyle changes, including:
- Limiting salt, fat and fluids in your diet
- Exercising regularly
- Maintaining an appropriate weight
- Quitting smoking
- Limiting or eliminating alcohol consumption
- Reducing stress
If you have dental work or surgery, you should use antibiotics to prevent infections of the heart.
Getting a Second Opinion about Cardiomyopathy
The doctors and staff of University of Colorado Hospital are happy to provide second opinions for patients who have symptoms of or a diagnosis of Cardiomyopathy.
Cardiomyopathy Support Groups
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association
Additional Cardiomyopathy Resources
American Heart Association
WebMD
Additional Information on Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs)
Thoratec Corporation
Abiomed