Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy refers to diseases of the heart muscle that affect how well the heart pumps blood. Depending on the type, the heart may become dilated (weakened), thickened (hypertrophic), or stiff (restrictive). These changes can lead to fatigue, shortness of breath, arrhythmias, or heart failure.

With early diagnosis and the right treatment, most patients can manage their condition, protect heart function, and maintain an active lifestyle.

At The Medical Group of New Jersey, our specialists use echocardiograms, cardiac MRI, and genetic evaluation to tailor therapy that may include medications, ICD placement, or transplant evaluation in advanced cases.

Symptom Onset & Initial Evaluation

Symptoms may develop gradually or suddenly, and can include:

• Fatigue and shortness of breath (especially with activity or exertion)
• Swelling in the legs, ankles, or abdomen
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
• Chest discomfort or lightheadedness

Evaluation often begins with tests such as:

• Echocardiogram (ECHO): Key test for heart size, structure, and function
• Electrocardiogram (ECG): Detects rhythm abnormalities
• Cardiac MRI: Provides detailed images to identify scarring or inflammation
• Genetic testing: For inherited forms of cardiomyopathy
• Bloodwork: To check for thyroid, iron, or metabolic causes

Diagnosis & Classification

Cardiomyopathies are classified into the following types:

• Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM): The heart becomes enlarged and weak, reducing pumping power.
• Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): The heart muscle thickens abnormally, sometimes blocking blood flow.
• Restrictive Cardiomyopathy: The heart becomes stiff, limiting its ability to fill properly.
• Peripartum or Tachycardia-Induced Cardiomyopathy: Develops due to pregnancy or prolonged fast heart rate.

Your cardiologist will determine which form you have and design a personalized treatment plan based on your imaging, symptoms, and genetic factors.

Treatment & Management

Treatment focuses on improving heart function, preventing complications, and managing symptoms.

Lifestyle Modifications:

• Sodium restriction and fluid balance
• Regular, low-impact exercise
• Avoiding alcohol or illicit drugs
• Managing blood pressure and weight

Medication Therapy:

• ACE inhibitors / ARBs / ARNIs: Improve pumping efficiency
• Beta-blockers: Reduce strain and stabilize rhythm
• Diuretics: Reduce swelling and congestion
• Aldosterone antagonists and SGLT2 inhibitors: Improve heart outcomes
• Anticoagulants: Prevent clot formation in select patients

Procedural & Advanced Therapies:

• Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD): Prevents sudden cardiac arrest
• Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT): Improves coordination of heartbeats
• Septal myectomy or alcohol ablation: For obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
• Heart transplant: Reserved for advanced, treatment-resistant cases

Long-Term Monitoring & Prognosis

Regular follow-up is essential to monitor heart function and adjust therapy. Many patients live long, productive lives with appropriate medical care and lifestyle management.

At The Medical Group of New Jersey, our cardiologists use advanced imaging and genetic testing to tailor care, prevent disease progression, and connect patients with rehabilitation and support programs that optimize heart health.