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Tests
Diagnosing cardiomyopathy and determining the best treatment plan can involve several tests to determine the extent of the disease and rule out other conditions that may be adding to your symptoms. Additional screening and counseling for the risk of sudden death may also be necessary in certain situations.
Despite the sophistication of many testing procedures and the valuable information they can provide, tests alone do not provide a diagnosis. The physician is ultimately responsible for interpreting test results, so it's vital that he or she has a good grasp of what each test can and cannot reveal about your condition. Before moving forward with a diagnostic test, especially an invasive test like heart catheterization, review with your physician how the test results will add to his or her understanding of your condition.
The physical exam and medical history are the cornerstone of the diagnosis and the treatment plan. From a doctor's perspective, the goals of the physical exam and medical history are to determine how the disease may be affecting your lifestyle and to collect data that may reveal information on the condition of the heart. During the visit, be prepared to discuss your and your family's medical history, including heart problems and sudden death in cousins, parents, aunts, uncles, and grandparents; your symptoms, including when they first appeared, how long they last, circumstances in which the symptoms occur; and any questions you have about your condition. During the physical exam, your doctor will listen to your heart and lungs and look for signs of swelling and/or tenderness.
Once this information has been obtained, follow-up testing will be recommended and may include any of the following:
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