Cardiomyopathy in Women: Recognizing Symptoms and Reaching a Diagnosis

Join WomenHeart for a foundational HeartTalks session on cardiomyopathy, a diverse group of conditions that affect the heart muscle. While cardiomyopathy can occur in anyone, many women experience delays in diagnosis due to systemic issues in cardiovascular care—such as symptoms being attributed to non-cardiac causes, lower clinical suspicion, or their concerns not being fully considered. In this session, Dr. Mariko Harper, a leading cardiologist specializing in cardiomyopathy, will explain what cardiomyopathy is, how it develops, and the major types, including peripartum cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and others. She will offer a clear, accessible overview that helps attendees understand what to look for and why early evaluation matters.

We will also hear from WomenHeart Champions who will share their lived experience navigating a cardiomyopathy diagnosis, offering insight into the challenges many women encounter when seeking answers and the strategies that helped them advocate for themselves. Whether you’ve been diagnosed, are at risk, support someone living with cardiomyopathy, or simply want a clearer understanding of this condition, we encourage you to join us. This session is designed for advocates, patients, caregivers, clinicians, and anyone seeking reliable, patient-centered information about cardiomyopathy and women’s heart health.