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How Will I Know I Have Cardiomyopathy?
You may have some, or all of the following tests: Chest x-ray is done to get a picture of the heart size and lungs.

Electrocardiogram (EKG) records the heart's electrical activity. Abnormal heartbeats, areas of damage, and heart enlargement can be found from this test.

Muga Scan is a test done with radioactive material injected into a vein. A special scanning camera makes pictures of the blood moving through the heart. It will show problems with the heart muscle and/or the valves of the heart.

What Are Cardiomyopathy Symptoms?
Symptoms vary according to the type of cardiomyopathy and the severity of the disease. With dilated cardiomyopathy symptoms often develop gradually, and many people may not have
symptoms for a while. Some of the common symptoms include feeling tired and weak, chest/stomach pains
and shortness of breath.

Many people with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy don't have symptoms. Some symptoms might be
difficulty breathing, chest discomfort,
fatigue and fainting. Exercise may bring on symptoms.

Symptoms vary for people with restrictive cardiomyopathy. They often include weakness and difficulty breathing (esp. during exercise).

How Do Doctors Treat Cardiomyopathy?
Treatments vary according to severity and type. Medications may be used to help the heart pump better, lower the heart rate, or help the body get rid of excess fluid. A diet low in sodium may be advised if swelling and/or shortness of breath is a problem.

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Surgery may be suggested to improve blood flow, to replace a valve, or in some cases a heart transplant may be needed. It's important to have regular heart check-ups, limit activity (plan frequent rest periods throughout the day), have very good dental care (check-up every 6 months), weigh daily to check for fluid build-up.

Cardiac Catheterization is a procedure done with a catheter. The catheter is inserted into a vein or artery and threaded into the heart. This test measures the pressures in the heart, the pumping ability of the heart, the blood flow in the heart and coronary arteries and sometimes the electrical activity of the heart. A heart muscle biopsy may be done during the catheterization to find the cause of the cardiomyopathy.