Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) is characterized by dilation of ventricles and impairment in the contractility of heart muscles. One-fifth to one-third of patients may be genetic.
Causes are numerous:
- Cardiovascular Disorders
- Systemic hypertension
- Ischemic heart disease
- Disease of the heart valves
- Myocarditis (Inflammation of the myocardium)
- Peripartum Cardiomyopathy
- Toxins
- Alcohol
- Radiation
- Cocaine
- Infections,
- Metabolic,
- Neuromuscular,
- Inflammatory disorders -Rheumatoid arthritis
- Autoimmune - Systemic lupus erythematosus
Symptoms & Signs
A gradual decrease in exercise capacity is the classical presentation. This is however a retrospective entity. A condition like anemia, thyrotoxicosis, or infection may trigger this acute decline in exercise capacity.
- About one in three cases of congestive heart failure is due to dilated Cardiomyopathy.
- Chest pain may be prominent
- Different forms of breathlessness like orthopnea (breathlessness in the lying down position), and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (Here the patient awakens from sleep with acute, severe shortness of breath after 1 to 3 hours of sleep).
- Nocturnal cough
- Peripheral oedema
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of dilated Cardiomyopathy is usually based on the recognition of signs or symptoms of heart failure. A detailed physical examination, 12-lead ECG tracings, and two-dimensional echocardiography study help to confirm the diagnosis.
Coronary Angiography is required in some cases.
Other recommended tests include:
- A complete blood count
- Functions of the kidney, liver, and thyroid
- Chest X-ray
Treatment
Heart failure is a medical emergency requiring intelligent intervention. Supportive therapies include:
- Sodium and fluid restriction
- Avoidance of alcohol and other toxins
- Heart failure medications
- Complications like atrial fibrillation may require anticoagulants
Rest and avoidance of exercise are recommended for a few conditions unlike in the past.
The prognosis of dilated Cardiomyopathy is related to the severity of disease at the time of presentation and the response to initial treatment. Improvement with treatment occurs in most cases.
References:
- Cecil Medicine, 23rd Ed.
- Harrison's PRINCIPLES OF INTERNAL MEDICINE, 17TH Edition
- Garlic Oil may Protect Against Cardiomyopathy in Diabetes Patients - (http://www.medindia.net/news/Garlic-Oil-may-Protect-Against-Cardiomyopathy-in-Diabetes-Patients-74723-1.htm)
- Link between enteroviruses and dilated cardiomyopathy: serological and molecular data - (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1025673/)
Citations
Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:
-
APA
Dr. Nithin Jayan. (2016, August 27). Dilated Cardiomyopathy - Causes - Symptoms - Signs - Diagnosis - Treatment. Medindia. Retrieved on May 22, 2022 from https://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/cardiomyopathy-dilated.htm.
-
MLA
Dr. Nithin Jayan. "Dilated Cardiomyopathy - Causes - Symptoms - Signs - Diagnosis - Treatment". Medindia. May 22, 2022. <https://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/cardiomyopathy-dilated.htm>.
Chicago
Dr. Nithin Jayan. "Dilated Cardiomyopathy - Causes - Symptoms - Signs - Diagnosis - Treatment". Medindia. https://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/cardiomyopathy-dilated.htm. (accessed May 22, 2022).
Harvard
Dr. Nithin Jayan. 2021. Dilated Cardiomyopathy - Causes - Symptoms - Signs - Diagnosis - Treatment. Medindia, viewed May 22, 2022, https://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/cardiomyopathy-dilated.htm.
Do you wish to consult a Cardiologist for your problem? Ask your question

5 years experience
Wockhardt Hospital in Nashik, Renuka Nagar

21 years experience
Apoorva Superspeciality Medical Centre, Jayanagar
Which age group people are more affected by Cardiomyopathy?
This actually has some good information, but it is poorly written with many spelling/grammar mistakes, and it makes me wonder who on earth wrote this? Therefore, I don't trust this information; it looks very unprofessional.
Follow @MedIndia