What it is
Some types are inherited, so close relatives are often offered screening. Others are caused by high blood pressure, heart attacks, alcohol, infections or pregnancy.
Treatment depends on the type and may include medicines, lifestyle changes, a pacemaker or implantable defibrillator, and occasionally surgery or a transplant.
Common signs
- Breathlessness, especially on exertion or lying flat
- Chest pain
- Palpitations
- Fainting or dizziness
- Swollen ankles and legs
- Often no symptoms
How it is usually diagnosed
- ECG
- Echocardiogram
- Cardiac MRI
- Heart rhythm monitoring
- Genetic testing
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Echocardiogram and MRI reports, including ejection fraction
- ECG and Holter reports
- Genetic test results and the family screening plan
- Device check reports, if you have a pacemaker or ICD
Questions to ask your doctor
- What type is it, and is it inherited?
- Is it safe for me to exercise or play sport?
- Should my relatives be screened?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Chest pain, fainting or severe breathlessness: call 112
- If someone collapses and is not breathing normally, call 112 and start CPR
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.