What is ischemic cardiomyopathy?
A person with ischemic cardiomyopathy has weakness of the heart, caused by a reduced supply of oxygen to the heart muscle. Over time, the weakness worsens, leading to congestive heart failure. About 1 out of 100 adults over the age of 60 have ischemic cardiomyopathy.

What are the symptoms of ischemic cardiomyopathy?
Early symptoms include cough, weakness, and fatigue. Additional symptoms include leg swelling, weight gain, difficulty breathing when lying flat, increasing shortness of breath with activity, and waking in the middle of the night short of breath.

How does the doctor treat ischemic cardiomyopathy?
Treatment for ischemic cardiomyopathy includes medications to remove excess water from the body, and medications that stimulate the heart to pump more effectively. Additional treatment includes restricting the amount of fluid in the diet, as well as a diet low in salt, fat, and cholesterol.