Complications

Cardiomyopathy can lead to serious complications, including:

• Heart failure. Your heart can't pump enough blood to meet your body's needs. Untreated, heart failure can be life-threatening.
• Blood clots. Because your heart can't pump effectively, blood clots might form in your heart. If clots enter your bloodstream, they can block the blood flow to other organs, including your heart and brain.
• Heart valve problems. Because cardiomyopathy causes the heart to enlarge, the heart valves might not close properly. This can cause blood to flow backward in the valve.
• Cardiac arrest and sudden death. Cardiomyopathy can trigger abnormal heart rhythms that cause fainting or, in some cases, sudden death if your heart stops beating effectively.