A dilated cardiomyopathy is a type of heart disease in which the left ventricle becomes enlarged and weak, making it harder for the heart to pump blood. As a result, heart failure and other complications, such as abnormal heart rhythms, chest pain, blood clots, strokes, and sudden cardiac arrests, may occur.
The exact cause of dilated cardiomyopathy is often unknown, but it may be related to genetic factors, infections, or damage to the heart muscle from other conditions. Some of the possible causes of dilated cardiomyopathy are:
Alcohol misuse
Certain chemotherapy drugs that are toxic to the heart
Complications in the late stages of pregnancy or shortly after childbirth
Congenital heart disease
Diabetes
Heart attack
Heart valve disease
Infection of the heart, such as myocarditis
Recreational drugs, such as cocaine or amphetamines
Thyroid disease
Unmanaged high blood pressure
Many people with dilated cardiomyopathy do not have any symptoms in the early stages of the disease. As the condition progresses, the symptoms may include:
Fatigue
Shortness of breath during activity or while lying down
Reduced ability to exercise
Swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, or abdomen
Chest pain or discomfort
Fast, fluttering, or pounding heartbeat
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Fainting
To diagnose dilated cardiomyopathy, the doctor will perform a physical exam and ask about the medical history and family history of the patient. The doctor may also order some tests to check the heart function and structure, such as:
Blood tests to detect any infection, metabolic disorder, or toxins in the blood
Chest X-ray to see the size and shape of the heart and lungs
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) to record the electrical activity of the heart
Echocardiogram to produce images of the heart and measure the ejection fraction, which is the amount of blood pumped out of the left ventricle with each heartbeat
Stress test to evaluate how the heart works under physical stress
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to get detailed pictures of the heart and its chambers
Genetic testing to determine if the condition is inherited
The treatment of dilated cardiomyopathy aims to improve the blood flow and prevent further damage to the heart. The treatment may include:
Medications to lower the blood pressure, reduce the workload of the heart, prevent blood clots, and control the heart rhythm
Devices to help the heart pump blood, such as a pacemaker, an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), or a ventricular assist device (VAD)
Surgery to repair or replace a damaged heart valve, remove a part of the enlarged heart muscle, or transplant a healthy heart from a donor
In some cases, dilated cardiomyopathy cannot be prevented, especially if it is caused by genetic factors. However, some lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of developing or worsening the condition, such as:
Eating a healthy diet that is low in salt, fat, and cholesterol
Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
Maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly
Managing chronic conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and thyroid disease
Getting regular check-ups and following the doctor’s advice
Seeking medical attention if any symptoms of dilated cardiomyopathy occur
There are many people with dilated cardiomyopathy who can live a normal and active life with proper diagnosis, treatment, and care.
