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Dilated Cardiomyopathy is a medical condition that is related to the Hear. It is often referred to as congestive cardiomyopathy. This condition can account for approximately 25% of cases of Congestive Heart Failure.

The clinical presentation can be very similar to CHF.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy causes the heart to become less efficient in its function due to enlargement of Heart and weakened cardiac muscle. This can affect blood pressure, movement of blood through the heart, and oxygen saturation.

The results can cause complications in other organs including heart, Liver, Lungs, Brain, and others.

Potential Causes:

1.)  Genetics
2.)  Chronic alcohol use
3.)  Myocarditis
4.)  Infections
5.)  Toxic agents
6.)  Often no cause can be identified

Symptoms/Signs

–  Cough
–  Arrhythmia’s
–  Edema
–  Heart murmur
–  Cyanosis

Diagnosis:

1.)  EKG – Can be helpful but often non-specific
2.)  Chest X-ray shows enlarged heart, possible pleural effusion and possible heart failure
3.)  Echocardiogram is necessary to confirm diagnosis.
4.)  Doppler can be helpful
5.)  Radionuclide ventriculography provides a noninvasive technique
6.)  Cardiac MRI can help with diagnosis

Treatment

Medications often are used to help treat the symptoms and improve heart function. Often treatment is limited to the severity of symptoms and progression of the disease

.  ACE Inhibitors
.  Beta-blockers
.  Diuretics
.  Aldosterone Antagonist
.  Digoxin

**** Patient must Avoid Calcium Channel Blockers

Prognosis

–  Some patients do well while others seem to deteriorate
–  Cardiac Transplant may be necessary
–  Artifical pacemakers may be necessary