Brief Answer: if a viral cause is suspected Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic There are different causes and types of cardiomyopathy. Cardiomyopathy refers to disease of the muscles aspect of the heart. One of the possible causes of abnormal function of the heart is viral myocarditis which is a viral infection that is affecting function of the heart muscles.It can cause dilated cardiomyopathy. Viral or infective myocarditis is suspected if there is no previous history of heart disease or predisposing factors and the person presents with acute symptoms. One of the viruses that can cause viral myocarditis is HIV. In this case, if a person is suspected to have viral disease, the HIV test may be done. HIV tests are normally only done with the permission of the patient, so a person would know they had it done because the doctor would inform them first. If the cause of the heart disease is not thought to possibly have a viral cause then HIV would not be done. I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions

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Brief Answer: yes steroids can cause cardiomyopathy Detailed Answer: HI If they suspect , as you indicate, that at some point a virus may have damaged the heart, they may ask to do an HIV test to determine if this is the causative virus. They would still, normally ask the patient's permission first before conducting the test. Steroid use can also cause cardiomyopathy. If there is a history of anabolic steroid use then this can also be the cause of his present illness. Please feel free to ask any other questions

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