Cardiomyopathy affects an estimated 50,000 Americans.

It was 15 years ago when Douglas Sonderman was diagnosed cardiomyopathy. Cardiologist Steven Longobardi says, "Cardiomyopathy is a general term for weakening of the heart muscle. The heart is a pump and when that pump is damaged you develop what is known as a cardiomyopathy."

Dr. Longobardi also says that certain patients are more susceptible to this condition than others. "Which can include viruses, heavy alcohol use can also damage the heart muscles as well as some congenital heart conditions. The most common is coronary artery disease, when people have a heart attack, which kills the muscles cells and that weakens part of the pump."

The news wasn't good for the Sonderman's, but like many people with cardiomyopathy medication had helped. Doug's wife Anna Lou says, "He did very well until just 3 years ago. And that's when he had his first spell and found out that he needed a pacemaker and a defibrillator put in."

Douglas says "When they put the defibrillator in it controls the beating of my heart 100% of the time, the pacemaker does, the defibrillator will jolt me if it stops."

In dealing with Doug's cardiomyopathy, the Sondermans primary goal was to stop the progression of the disease and get back to living an active, healthy lifestyle. "We volunteer together. It's wonderful."

The treatment for this condition depends on what type of cardiomyopathy you have.

Often times symptoms of this condition can include shortness of breath, a rapid heartbeat and becoming easily fatigued. If you experience any of these symptoms or chest pain in general, you should be seeking medical attention.