Dilated cardiomyopathy occurs when your heart’s main pumping chamber (left ventricle) becomes enlarged. In severe cases, it affects additional areas of your heart.
How can dilated cardiomyopathy affect my well-being?
When your left ventricle becomes enlarged, tissue thins, causing it to pump with less force. After each beat, more blood remains in your heart. This makes it increasingly difficult to keep up with your body’s needs. In advanced stages, dilated cardiomyopathy can lead to heart failure and other complications.
What causes dilated cardiomyopathy?
In many cases, the cause is unknown. Sometimes, the condition runs in families (familial dilated cardiomyopathy).
When healthcare providers can pinpoint a cause, it may be:
Many people with dilated cardiomyopathy have no symptoms, especially in the early stages. As heart function worsens, symptoms become more noticeable. The first symptom is often a heart murmur.
Additional dilated cardiomyopathy symptoms may include:
Are there additional nonsurgical therapies that can help me?
Lifestyle changes can help improve the effectiveness of medications and possibly help you delay or avoid a procedure.
These changes include:
Addressing unhealthy habits: You may be able to drink alcohol in limited quantities. If you use recreational drugs, quitting can help your heart. People who have unprotected sex with multiple partners should use condoms to lower their risk of viral hepatitis and HIV.
Eating a heart-healthy diet: Consume lean proteins, like chicken and fish, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. Following a low-sodium diet can prevent fluid build-up that puts extra strain on your heart.
Increasing physical activity: Gentle exercises can improve heart function. A cardiac rehabilitation program provides a safe environment for getting started.
What procedures treat dilated cardiomyopathy?
If you have advanced dilated cardiomyopathy, your heart function may be severely compromised. A procedure may be necessary to improve it. These include:
Implantable devices
These devices can help your heart pump harder or more regularly. Options include:
Your healthcare provider begins by taking your medical history and performing a physical exam. This may include listening to your lungs to check for fluid build-up.
Testing determines the severity and assists healthcare providers with dilated cardiomyopathy treatment planning. You may need:
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