Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy refers to the diseases involving the heart muscle which may lead to heart failure. The heart muscle becomes rigid, enlarged, or thick. The symptoms include chest discomfort, rapid heartbeat, breathlessness even with minor exertion, coughing when lying down, lightheadedness, fatigue, leg and feet swelling, and abdominal bloating. Acquired cardiomyopathy may be caused by psychoactive drug use, chemotherapy drugs, metabolic conditions, pregnancy complications, connective tissue disorders, nutritional deficiencies, and certain heart-related illnesses.