Dilated Cardiomyopathy: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
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.
Causes of Dilated Cardiomyopathy
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:
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Alcohol misuse
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Certain chemotherapy drugs that are toxic to the heart
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Complications in the late stages of pregnancy or shortly after childbirth
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Congenital heart disease
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Diabetes
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Heart attack
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Heart valve disease
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Infection of the heart, such as myocarditis
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Recreational drugs, such as cocaine or amphetamines
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Thyroid disease
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Unmanaged high blood pressure
Symptoms of Dilated Cardiomyopathy
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:
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Fatigue
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Shortness of breath during activity or while lying down
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Reduced ability to exercise
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Swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, or abdomen
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Chest pain or discomfort
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Fast, fluttering, or pounding heartbeat
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Dizziness or lightheadedness
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Fainting
Diagnosis of Dilated Cardiomyopathy
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:
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Blood tests to detect any infection, metabolic disorder, or toxins in the blood
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Chest X-ray to see the size and shape of the heart and lungs
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Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) to record the electrical activity of the heart
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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
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Stress test to evaluate how the heart works under physical stress
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Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to get detailed pictures of the heart and its chambers
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Genetic testing to determine if the condition is inherited
Treatment of Dilated Cardiomyopathy
The treatment of dilated cardiomyopathy aims to improve the blood flow and prevent further damage to the heart. The treatment may include:
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Medications to lower the blood pressure, reduce the workload of the heart, prevent blood clots, and control the heart rhythm
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Devices to help the heart pump blood, such as a pacemaker, an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), or a ventricular assist device (VAD)
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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
Prevention of Dilated Cardiomyopathy
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:
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Eating a healthy diet that is low in salt, fat, and cholesterol
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Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
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Maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly
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Managing chronic conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and thyroid disease
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Getting regular check-ups and following the doctor’s advice
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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.
