Cardiomyopathy

Houston Methodist heart and vascular specialists diagnose and treat cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart muscle that can affect how the heart fills with blood, pumps blood or maintains a normal heart rhythm. Cardiomyopathy is a leading cause of heart failure and, in advanced cases, may require mechanical circulatory support and/or assistive devices, like LVAD or heart transplant.

 

Our specialists work with you to create a personalized treatment plan based on your condition, symptoms and overall health. When appropriate, your care may also involve collaboration with experts across multiple specialties.

What Is Cardiomyopathy?

Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle that causes it to stiffen, thicken or stretch, making it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively. Over time, cardiomyopathy can worsen and increase the risk of heart failure.

 

The severity of cardiomyopathy varies. Some people have mild symptoms that remain stable for years, while others develop more advanced diseases that require closer monitoring or intervention. Treatment depends on the type and severity of cardiomyopathy and may include medication, implantable devices, catheter-based procedures or cardiovascular surgery.

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Houston Methodist Hospital is ranked Best in Texas and No. 10 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery. Houston Methodist Hospital is ranked Best in Texas and No. 11 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for Pulmonology & Lung Surgery. U.S. News & World Report has also named Houston Methodist Hospital one of the nation's best as a nationally ranked Honor Roll hospital.

 

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Common Causes of Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy may be inherited or develop over time. In some cases, it develops without a clear cause, even in otherwise healthy people.

 

Depending on the type of cardiomyopathy, causes and contributing factors may include:

 

  • Heart valve disease
  • Heart attack or coronary artery disease (CAD)
  • Chronic high blood pressure (hypertension)
  • Long-term alcohol or drug use
  • Viral infections affecting the heart
  • Metabolic conditions such as thyroid disease or diabetes
  • Familial cardiomyopathy, an inherited genetic mutation

Types of Cardiomyopathy

There are several types of cardiomyopathy, each with different causes, symptoms and treatment considerations. The specific type helps guide treatment decisions and expected outcomes:

 

  • Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) – A rare genetic condition in which healthy heart muscle is replaced with fat or scar tissue
  • Dilated cardiomyopathy – The heart muscle stretches and thins, weakening its ability to pump blood
  • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy – The heart muscle thickens and can affect blood flow out of the heart
  • Restrictive cardiomyopathy – The heart muscle becomes stiff, limiting its ability to fill with blood between beats

 

Your doctor will identify the type of cardiomyopathy and recommend the most appropriate next steps for your care. For inherited forms of cardiomyopathy, your care team may recommend genetic testing or screening for family members when appropriate.

Why Choose Houston Methodist for Cardiomyopathy Care

Why Choose Houston Methodist for Cardiomyopathy Care

If you have cardiomyopathy, getting an accurate diagnosis and the right treatment approach is essential. At Houston Methodist, your care team works together to provide comprehensive care — from advanced diagnostic imaging to medical and surgical treatment. Our goal is to help manage your condition, reduce symptoms, prevent complications and support long-term heart health and quality of life.

Finding a Cardiomyopathy Specialist

If you are experiencing symptoms of cardiomyopathy, early evaluation is important. Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center offers comprehensive care for cardiomyopathy, including diagnosis, advanced treatment options and long-term management.

Signs & Symptoms of Cardiomyopathy

Symptoms may develop gradually or not appear until the condition progresses.

 

Without treatment, cardiomyopathy can progress and increase the risk of heart failure, dangerous arrhythmias, stroke or sudden cardiac death in some patients. If you notice new, worsening or persistent symptoms, it’s important to seek medical evaluation.

Swelling

Swelling (edema) in the feet, ankles, legs or abdomen may occur due to fluid buildup.

Heart Arrhythmia

An irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) may cause palpitations, racing or pounding sensations.

Dizziness and Fainting

Reduced blood flow can lead to lightheadedness or fainting (syncope).

Chest Pain and Pressure

Chest discomfort may occur, particularly during physical activity or after large meals.

Fatigue

Fatigue can make everyday activities more difficult.

Cough

A cough that worsens while lying down may be a sign of fluid buildup.

Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath is one of the most common symptoms and may occur during activity, while lying flat or, in more advanced cases, even at rest.

How Cardiomyopathy Is Diagnosed

Diagnosing cardiomyopathy begins with a physical exam and a review of your symptoms, medical history and risk factors.

 

Your doctor may recommend tests such as blood work, heart monitoring or stress testing to better understand your condition. These tests help determine the type of cardiomyopathy, assess how well your heart is functioning and identify factors that may affect treatment decisions and long-term outcomes.

 

Additional tests may include:

 

  • Echocardiogram (Echo) – A noninvasive imaging test that uses sound waves to evaluate heart structure and function
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)  – Measures electrical activity and may detect abnormal rhythms or past heart damage
  • Cardiac MRI – Provides detailed images of the heart to assess structure and function
  • Heart catheterization – Measures pressure within the heart chambers and evaluates blood flow. In addition, often used diagnostically to more precisely, yet minimally invasively, assess cardiovascular disease

Treatment Options for Cardiomyopathy

Treatment depends on the type and severity of cardiomyopathy, as well as your symptoms, heart function and overall health. Your doctor evaluates imaging results, symptoms and heart function to determine the most appropriate treatment approach.

 

Treatment is tailored to the specific type of cardiomyopathy and may range from medications and lifestyle changes to implantable devices, advanced heart failure therapies or surgery.

  • Non-Surgical Treatment

    For mild or stable cardiomyopathy, treatment may include:

    • ACE inhibitors – Help reduce strain on the heart and improve its ability to pump blood efficiently
    • Beta-blockers – Reduce heart rate and blood pressure
    • Blood thinners – Prevent clots
    • Lifestyle changes – Include a heart-healthy diet, regular activity and smoking cessation

  • Surgical Treatment

    More advanced cardiomyopathy may require procedural or surgical treatment. Options include:

     

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