Describe the features of cardiomyopathy.?

Fatigue and dyspnea: Cardiomyopathy (aka heart muscle weakness) can lead to clinical heart failure symptoms: shortness of breath, fluid retention with leg and abdominal swelling, fatigue and lack of energy. Cardiomyopathy can be caused by coronary disease/ prior heart attacks, uncontrolled hypertension or diabetes, heavy alcohol use, prior chemotherapy or viral infections.

Complicated: I agree with dr. Klein, and in the small space allowed, he couldn't mention that there are several types of cardiomyopathy. The type he describes is dilated cardiomyopathy. Other types are restrictive and hypertrophic. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is inherited and an important cause of sudden death in athletes. It can be detected on exam by its characteristic murmur and treated.