PCCN Dilated Cardiomyopathy

PCCN Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle, usually starting in your heart’s main pumping chamber (left ventricle). The ventricle stretches and thins (dilates) and can’t pump blood as well as a healthy heart can. The term “cardiomyopathy” is a general term that refers to the abnormality of the heart muscle itself.

Dilated cardiomyopathy might not cause symptoms, but for some people it can be life-threatening. A common cause of heart failure — the heart’s inability to supply the body with enough blood — dilated cardiomyopathy can also contribute to irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias), blood clots or sudden death.

The condition affects people of all ages, including infants and children, but is most common in men ages 20 to 50.

Signs and Symptoms

If you have dilated cardiomyopathy, you’re likely to have signs and symptoms of heart failure or arrhythmias caused by your condition. Signs and symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath (dyspnea) when you’re active or lying down
• Reduced ability to exercise
• Swelling (edema) in your legs, ankles and feet
• Swelling of your abdomen due to fluid buildup (ascites)
• Chest pain
• Extra or unusual sounds heard when your heart beats (heart murmurs)

Causes

The cause of dilated cardiomyopathy often can’t be determined. However, numerous factors can cause the left ventricle to dilate and weaken, including:

• Diabetes
• Obesity
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Alcohol abuse
• Certain cancer medications
• Cocaine use and abuse
• Infections, including those caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites
• Exposure to toxins, such as lead, mercury and cobalt
• Arrhythmias
• Complications of late-stage pregnancy

Risk Factors

Dilated cardiomyopathy most commonly occurs in men, ages 20 to 50. But it can also occur in women. Other risk factors include:

• Damage to the heart muscle from a heart attack
• Family history of dilated cardiomyopathy
• Inflammation of heart muscle from immune system disorders, such as lupus
• Neuromuscular disorders, such as muscular dystrophy

Complications

• Heart Failure
• Heart Valve Regurgitation
• Edema
• Arrhythmias
• Blood Clots
• Sudden Death

Treatment

If you have dilated cardiomyopathy, your doctor might recommend treatment for the underlying cause, if known. Treatment may also be suggested in order to improve blood flow and prevent further damage to your heart.