Generally speaking, patients with cardiomyopathy during stable phases may consider consuming spicy food, especially since these patients often have relatively poor appetites. Using mildly spicy food can potentially stimulate the appetite and improve nutritional status. However, from another perspective, excessive consumption of spicy food may cause patients to drink large amounts of water. Excessive intake could potentially increase the burden on cardiac function; therefore, it is not recommended for patients with cardiomyopathy to consume overly spicy foods. Patients with cardiomyopathy also have dietary restrictions, including a diet low in salt and fat, as overly salty diets can also exacerbate the burden on the heart and kidneys.