overview
- Dilated cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle that usually begins in the main pumping chamber of your heart (left ventricle). The ventricle expands and becomes thinner (wider) and cannot pump blood as well as a healthy heart. The term “cardiomyopathy” is a general term that refers to the abnormality of the heart muscle itself.
- Dilated cardiomyopathy may not cause symptoms, but it can be life-threatening in some people. A common cause of heart failure – the heart’s inability to supply enough blood to the body – enlarged cardiomyopathy can also lead to irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias), blood clots, or sudden death. Dilated cardiomyopathy treatment in Hyderabad
Symptoms
If you have advanced cardiomyopathy, you likely have signs and symptoms of heart failure or arrhythmias caused by your illness. The signs and symptoms are:
- Tired
- Shortness of breath (difficulty breathing) when you are active or lying down
- Reduced training capacity
- Swelling (edema) of the legs, ankles, and feet
- Swelling of the abdomen from fluid build-up (ascites)
- Chest pain
- Extra or unusual sounds that you hear when your heart is beating (heart murmur)
The reasons
- Dilated cardiomyopathy
- Dilated Cardiomyopathy Open popup dialog
- The cause of dilated cardiomyopathy can often not be determined. However, there are many factors that can cause the left ventricle to expand and weaken, including:
- diabetes
- obesity
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Alcohol abuse
- Certain cancer drugs
- Cocaine use and abuse
- Infections, including those caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites
- Exposure to toxins such as lead, mercury, and cobalt
- Arrhythmias
Risk factors
Dilated cardiomyopathy is more common in men between the ages of 20 and 50. However, it can also occur in women. The other risk factors are:
- Heart muscle damage from heart attack
- Family history of dilated cardiomyopathy
- Inflammation of the heart muscle due to immune system disorders such as lupus
- Neuromuscular diseases such as muscular dystrophy
Complications
Complications of dilated cardiomyopathy are:
Heart defect. Poor blood flow to the left ventricle can lead to heart failure. Your heart may not be able to supply your body with the blood it needs to function properly.
Heart valve failure. The enlargement of the left ventricle can make heart valves difficult to close, causing blood to flow back and making your heart less efficient.
Fluid retention (edema). Fluid can collect in the lungs, abdomen, legs and feet (edema). Dilated cardiomyopathy treatment in Hyderabad
prevention
Healthy lifestyle habits can help you prevent or minimize the effects of persistent cardiomyopathy. If you have advanced cardiomyopathy:
- No Smoking.
- Do not drink alcohol or drink in moderation.
- Do not use cocaine or other illegal drugs.
- Eat a healthy diet, especially low in salt (sodium).
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Follow an exercise program recommended by your doctor.
- Get enough sleep and get a good rest. Dilated cardiomyopathy treatment in Hyderabad
