Are you or do you know of any young people with cardiomyopathy?

I am 20, and was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy last October. I know of someone a couple of years older than me who has the same condition, and was just wondering how many more young people have this condition and how it affects their life.

Cardiomyopathy is more common than people know about. I was 26 when I was first diagnosed. I'm now 37 and doing well. so you can live a long time with it. It affects your life if you have to take diuretics. But it does put you at a greater risk of going into CHF, which would require a hospital stay, which I like to refer to as an unscheduled 'vacation'. You do need to watch your sodium intake, which I find hard to do if I eat out, so cooking your own food is the best for you. You can lead an active life. So you might not run the Boston marathon, but you'll still be able to exercise. Don't believe the information about prognosis. Most of that is based on old people who have had too many damaging heart attacks, and that's not your case. If you were 70 or older yes, not you.

well i'm a little older when i was diagnosed at 32, now i'm 40 and doing ok, i guess. Beating depression stages, anxiety is important, a slight lifestyle change, diligent drinking of meds, and exercise. first get used to your daily routines, and if u find urself worn out, helpless, fatigued, it is lack of exercise, Doctors usually recommend no exercise at the beginning. Be sure to consult your doctor whatever you plan to do which you think can affect your heart.
i know 5 persons who have cardiomyopathy, 2 brothers who are my cousins, 3 friends in high school... a lot.

I'm *so* glad that you are looking for more information. My wife was diagnosed at about the same time as you, but at the age of 42. I think she may have had it at your age, before our children were born, but we'll never know.

It's important that you become an active participant in your own care and learn the answers for yourself, and one of the best ways of doing that is to find others in the same boat as you. So again, I'm glad you're reaching out with your questions.

I recommend visiting the cardiomyopathy association's bulletin board. That seems to be the most active place for patients and family members, and I know of several pediatric cases there.

I'll leave you with a couple of other links that you will hopefully find useful.