Cardiomyopathy: is a condition where the heart muscle is abnormal. This condition makes it harder for the heart to pump and deliver blood to the rest of the body. Symptoms include SOB on exertion, swelling in legs, ankles, and feet, bloating in abdomen, coughing while laying down, fatigue, irregular heartbeats, chest pain, dizziness, fainting, Bernie had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy meaning that he had abnormal thickening of the heart muscle (the left ventricle) which makes it harder for the heart to pump blood. It can develop at any age. Most people affected have a family history. It can occur naturally from high blood pressure or aging.