Alternative Names
Cardiomyopathy – dilated
Definition of Dilated cardiomyopathy
Dilated cardiomyopathy is a condition in which the heart becomes weakened and enlarged, and it cannot pump blood efficiently. The decreased heart function can affect the lungs, liver, and other body systems.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
There are many causes of dilated cardiomyopathy. Some of these are:
Symptoms
Symptoms of heart failure are most common. Usually, they develop slowly over time. However, sometimes symptoms start very suddenly and are severe. Common symptoms are:
Signs and tests
Cardiomyopathy is usually discovered when the doctor is examining and testing you for the cause of heart failure.
Treatment
When the cause of the dilated cardiomyopathy can be found, that condition is treated. For example, high blood pressure or coronary artery disease should be treated. If alcohol or cocaine use is the cause, your doctor will ask you to stop using them. Sometimes, no specific cause can be found, but the treatments listed below will still be used.
Expectations (prognosis)
The outcome varies. Some people remain in a stable condition for long periods of time, some continue to gradually get sicker, and others quickly get worse. Cardiomyopathy can only be corrected if the disease that caused it can be cured.
Review
Michael A. Chen, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington Medical School, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. – 5/17/2010
