Dilated cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a type of cardiomyopathy characterized by enlargement (dilation) and diminished contractile capacity of the left and/or right ventricles of the heart. This condition often results in congestive heart failure, with associated symptoms of shortness of breath, fatigue, and fluid retention.

Causes and Risk Factors

Dilated cardiomyopathy may be idiopathic, meaning the cause remains unknown in many cases. However, certain factors and conditions can lead to DCM, including:

• Ischemic Heart Disease: A history of myocardial infarction, or heart attack, can damage and weaken the heart muscle, leading to dilation and dysfunction.
• Infections: Viral or bacterial myocarditis, an infection of the heart muscle, can cause DCM.
• Alcohol Abuse: Chronic and excessive alcohol consumption can damage the heart muscle and result in DCM. This form of the disease is sometimes referred to as alcoholic cardiomyopathy.
• Genetics: In some cases, DCM can be inherited, with certain gene mutations affecting the heart muscle's structure and function.

Symptoms

The symptoms of dilated cardiomyopathy can vary widely, from none at all in the early stages to severe heart failure as the disease progresses. Common symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue and weakness
• Swelling of the legs, ankles, and feet
• Rapid or irregular heartbeats
• Dizziness or fainting

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis involves physical examination, patient history, and diagnostic tests such as echocardiogram, electrocardiogram (ECG), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A cardiac catheterization or even a myocardial biopsy may be performed in certain cases.

The primary goals of treatment for DCM are to improve symptoms, prevent the disease from worsening, and increase lifespan. Treatments may include medications (such as ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and diuretics), lifestyle changes (including salt and fluid restriction, regular physical activity, and avoidance of alcohol), devices to regulate heart rhythm, and in severe cases, heart transplant.

See also

• Cardiomyopathy
• Heart failure
• Myocarditis

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