Key takeaways:
- Cardiomyopathy can affect young, athletic, or otherwise healthy individuals
- Some types, like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), are genetic and may not cause symptoms until triggered
- Sudden cardiac arrest during exercise may be the first sign in rare cases
- ECG and echocardiogram can detect heart muscle abnormalities early
- Sports screening and family history assessments are important tools for prevention
Most people assume that if you’re fit, active, and eating well, your heart is in great shape. And in many cases, that’s true. But certain heart conditions, like cardiomyopathy, can develop silently, even in individuals who appear to be in peak health.
At Heart Matters Medical Centre, we occasionally see active adults, gym-goers, or sports enthusiasts who are surprised by a diagnosis of cardiomyopathy. They come in for symptoms like palpitations or breathlessness, or after a routine screening picks up something unexpected.
What Is Cardiomyopathy?
Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle. It affects how well the heart pumps blood and can lead to heart failure or irregular heart rhythms.
There are different types, but in active adults, the most relevant is often:
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM):
- The heart muscle becomes abnormally thick, especially the walls of the left ventricle
- This makes it harder for the heart to pump blood efficiently
- Often inherited and may not cause symptoms until triggered by physical exertion
- Linked to sudden cardiac arrest, particularly in younger athletes
Why Can Fit People Still Develop This?
Being fit doesn’t prevent all heart conditions, especially those that are structural or genetic in origin. In fact, the increased physical demands of sport may unmask an existing issue that has been quietly developing.
Some individuals are born with gene variants that affect how their heart muscle forms. These changes can go unnoticed for years, until one day they feel dizzy after a workout, develop palpitations, or in rare cases, collapse during intense exercise.
Warning Signs That Shouldn’t Be Ignored
- Unusual shortness of breath during exercise
- Dizziness or light-headedness while working out
- Fainting spells, especially during or right after physical activity
- Chest discomfort or fluttering during high-intensity movement
- A family history of sudden cardiac death or cardiomyopathy
Even if you’re training regularly and feeling well most of the time, these symptoms should not be brushed off as “just tired” or “pushed too hard.”
How Is Cardiomyopathy Detected?
Early detection is possible with:
- 12-lead ECG – to pick up electrical changes in the heart
- Echocardiography – to assess the heart’s size, thickness, and pumping ability
- Holter monitoring – to track for abnormal rhythms over 24–48 hours
- Family screening – if a close relative has been diagnosed with cardiomyopathy or died unexpectedly from a heart condition
These tests are non-invasive and can help provide peace of mind or early action if needed.
Is It Safe to Exercise with Cardiomyopathy?
This depends on the type and severity. Your cardiologist may recommend:
- Adjusting the intensity and type of physical activity
- Avoiding high-impact or high-adrenaline sports in certain cases
- Ongoing monitoring and possibly medications or devices to regulate heart rhythm
Every individual is different, and your care plan should be tailored based on test results and symptoms.
Protect Your Heart, Even If You’re Fit
Fitness is important, but it’s not a guarantee of perfect heart health. If you’ve been feeling “off” during workouts or have a family history of heart disease, consider speaking to a specialist.
At Heart Matters Medical Centre, we offer sports screening and heart assessments for active adults, including ECG, echocardiogram, and longer-term monitoring if needed.
📍 Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre
📞 +65 6339 1991
📧 info@heartmatters.com.sg
🔗 Book a consultation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I have cardiomyopathy and not know it?
A: Yes. Cardiomyopathy, especially hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, can exist with little or no symptoms. That’s why it’s sometimes detected during routine ECGs or when symptoms appear during physical activity.
Q2: How is cardiomyopathy different from a heart attack?
A: A heart attack happens when blood flow to the heart is blocked. Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle itself and may be inherited, triggered by infections, or caused by other medical conditions.
Q3: Should all athletes or active adults get screened for cardiomyopathy?
A: While routine screening for all isn’t mandatory, it is strongly advised if you have symptoms (like dizziness, palpitations, or chest discomfort) or a family history of sudden cardiac death or heart muscle disease.
Q4: Can cardiomyopathy be cured?
A: While it may not be “cured,” cardiomyopathy can be managed with lifestyle adjustments, medications, and sometimes devices. Early detection improves long-term outcomes significantly.
