DEAR DR. GOTT: My 39-year-old daughter is having heart problems. The doctor says she has something called cardiomyopathy. She has weak spells and is always tired. Her doctor had her on a medication, but it caused her blood pressure to go to low so he took her off it. He is now trying to find something else that may work for her.

Could you please explain what this disease is, what happens to the body, any treatment options and what the prognosis is? I only know that somehow the heart doesn't pump right.

DEAR READER: Cardiomyopathy is a condition that causes the heart muscle to weaken, leading to inadequate heart pumping and blood flow, as well as other problems, such as palpitations.

There are several types of cardiomyopathy. Each is associated with a different cause. Some of these types include alcoholic, dilated, ischemic, restrictive, toxic, infectious, idiopathic and more. Causes include alcoholism, heart attacks, viral infections, lupus, celiac disease, long-term severe high blood pressure and many others.

Because you don't say what type your daughter has, I cannot give specific advice. However, I will briefly explain some general information including symptoms, treatment and prognosis.

Symptoms vary from person to person and from cause to cause. Some of the more common symptoms include fatigue, high blood pressure, palpitations, edema (swelling), cough (caused by fluid buildup in the lungs due to heart failure), shortness of breath and more.

If cardiomyopathy is suspected, a physician would likely order blood work to check for anemia and elevated cardiac enzymes, as well as imaging studies including a chest X-ray, echocardiogram, heart ultrasound and angiography.

Treatment often involves dietary and behaviour modifications and medications. A low-fat, low-salt diet and daily exercise to increase stamina and heart strength can be extremely beneficial. It is important to make sure that your doctor approves of any diet and exercise plan before it is started.

Medications can include those to lower blood pressure, improve blood flow, reduce the workload of the heart while improving the heartbeat, relieve fluid buildup and slow the heart rate. What medications are given depend on which type of cardiomyopathy your daughter has.

In severe cases, heart transplant may be necessary. There are a few procedures that can be done to prolong life until a heart is available.

The prognosis depends on the severity of the damage, the cause and the response to treatment. Some people worsen very quickly, while others have mild symptoms. The condition is chronic and there is no cure.

Your daughter needs to be under the care of a cardiologist. who can advise her further on treatment options and what steps she can take to improve her quality of life.