Symptoms. Cardiomyopathy may manifest itself in different ways. In dilated cardiomyopathy, the fibers of the heart muscle stretch, causing enlargement of the heart chambers. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy may lead to thickening of the ventricular septum and a decrease in the size of the left ventricle. Restrictive cardiomyopathy occurs when the ventricles become rigid or stiff without any enlargement. This rigidity prevents the ventricles from relaxing and filling with the normal amount of blood. This restricted pumping of blood can weaken the heart muscle. Regardless of the type of cardiomyopathy, the symptoms will be similar. Resulting symptoms may include chest pain, shortness of breath (especially with exercise or physical exertion), general malaise and fatigue, dizziness, lightheadedness, palpitations, high blood pressure, syncopal episodes, and swelling or edema of the legs, feet or ankles.
