Individuals with a dilated cardiomyopathy may not initially notice any symptoms. This is because the heart is able to adjust itself to compensate for increased blood volume or decreased ability to pump for many years.

However, as the heart begins to fail, serious symptoms may present themselves. Typically, a dilated cardiomyopathy is first recognized by heart failure and its signs and symptoms. These including:

Patients who experience arrhythmia caused by their cardiomyopathy may also experience symptoms such as rapid, forceful or uncomfortable heartbeats (palpitations), dizziness or fainting.

In more serious cases, individuals may experience cardiac arrest or sudden cardiac death.