Cardiomyopathy

Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a condition in which the heart becomes enlarged and cannot pump blood effectively. The most common causes of dilated cardiomyopathy are Heart disease caused by a narrowing or blockage in the coronary arteries and poorly controlled high blood pressure.
Dilated cardiomyopathy is a serious condition that weakens your heart muscle and causes it to stretch, or dilate. When your heart muscle is weak, it can't pump out blood as well as it should, so more blood stays in your heart after each heartbeat.
Symptoms

Difficulty breathing

  • Occurs when lying flat, During sleep

  • Occurs or worsens with exertion

common

Swollen neck vein

common

Irregular heartbeat

common

Fatigue

common

Cough with mucus or without mucus

  • Dry

  • Lasting 4 weeks or more

common

Cold hands or feet

common

Confusion

common

Swelling in lower leg

  • In both lower legs

or Enlarged feet or ankle

  • In both feet or ankles

common

Recent unexplained weight gain

common

High urine output

or Decreased urine

common

Swollen belly

common

Rapid heart rate

Frequent urination

Risk factors

Alcohol consumption

or Chemotherapy

or Drug or substance abuse

or Postpartum

or Recent upper respiratory tract infection

or Pregnancy

  • Last month of pregnancy

High blood pressure disease

  • Resistant

Overweight or obese

Diabetes mellitus

Any problem with rate or rhythm of heartbeat

Treatment
At present, there is no cure for DCM, but treatments are available to help control your symptoms and prevent complications. Your treatment will depend on how your heart is affected and what symptoms you have.
Recommended specialist

If you have Cardiomyopathy, then visit a cardiologist as soon as possible.

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Cardiologist

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