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Dilated cardiomyopathy Causes and Risks:
The causes of cardiomyopathy are multiple and may include nutritional deficiencies, deposits in the heart muscle associated with amyloidosis or other medical conditions, anemia , stress , viral infections (rare), alcoholism ( alcoholic cardiomyopathy ), coronary artery disease , and others. In some cases, no cause is identified ( idiopathic cardiomyopathy ).
Enlargement of the heart muscle (dilated
cardiomyopathy) is the most common type of cardiomyopathy. Restrictive cardiomyopathy is another type that occurs when there is damage to the heart and scarring (fibrosis) or deposits develop in the heart muscle.
Some of the risk factors include obesity , having a personal or family history of cardiac disorders such as myocarditis , use of certain medications (such as diuretics), smoking , and alcoholism.
Dilated cardiomyopathy occurs in approximately 2 out of 100 people. It can affect all ages and both sexes, but is most common in adult men.
Prevention:
Modify risk factors that can be controlled by eating a generally well-balanced and nutritious diet, exercising to improve cardiovascular fitness, and avoiding or minimizing smoking and consumption of alcohol.
Symptoms:
Note: Symptoms often develop gradually, and are usually associated with heart failure . Some chest pain may also be associated with this disease.
Signs and Tests:
Cardiomyopathy is usually discovered on examination and testing for the cause of heart failure . Tapping the area with the fingers ( percussion ) and feeling the area ( palpation ) may indicate enlargement of the heart. Listening to the chest with a stethoscope ( auscultation ) reveals lung crackles, heart murmur, or other abnormal sounds. The liver may be enlarged. Neck veins may be distended. Blood pressure may be low or may drop when rising to a standing position (orthostatic hypotension ).
Heart enlargement, congestion of the lungs, decreased movement/functioning of the heart, or heart failure may show on: An ECG may show conduction disturbances and/or arrhythmias , and may indicate enlargement of the ventricles. Heart biopsy may be helpful to distinguish dilated cardiomyopathy from other diseases. Lab tests vary depending on the suspected cause.
Treatment:
Hospitalization may be required until acute symptoms subside. Treatment is focused on relief of symptoms. Digitalis or other cardiac medications, diuretics, nutritional supplements, and other medications may be prescribed to reduce symptoms. The underlying disorder (cause) should be treated.
A low-salt diet may be prescribed and fluid may be restricted in some cases. Activity may often continue as tolerated. A heart transplant may be considered if the heart function is very poor. Daily monitoring of body weight may be advised. Weight gain of 3 or 4 pounds or more over 1 or 2 days may indicate fluid accumulation. Finally, stop smoking and stop drinking alcohol. These habits make the symptoms worse.
Prognosis:
The outcome varies. Some affected individuals remain in a stable condition for long periods, some deteriorate gradually, and some deteriorate rapidly. Cardiomyopathy is correctable only if the underlying disease can be cured. It is incurable if the underlying disease cannot be corrected.
Complications:
Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call your health care provider if symptoms indicate cardiomyopathy may be present.
Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if chest pain , palpitations , faintness or other new or unexplained symptoms develop.
This is a cross-sectional view of the interior of the heart. The valves, chambers, and associated vessels are labeled.
This is an illustration of the exterior of the heart. The arteries are colored blue and represent blood that is flowing into the heart. The veins are red and indicate blood flow out from the heart. The chambers are also labeled.
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