Overview

Dilated cardiomyopathy may be a disease of the guts muscle, usually starting in your heart's main pumping chamber (left ventricle). The ventricle stretches and thins (dilates) and can't pump blood also as a healthy heart can. The term "cardiomyopathy" may be a general term that refers to the abnormality of the guts muscle itself.

Dilated cardiomyopathy won't cause symptoms, except for some people it are often life-threatening. A common explanation for coronary failure — the heart's inability to provide the body with enough blood — dilated cardiomyopathy also can contribute to irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias), blood clots or sudden death.

Symptoms

If you've got dilated cardiomyopathy, you're likely to possess signs and symptoms of coronary failure or arrhythmias caused by your condition. Signs and symptoms include:

Ø  Fatigue

Ø  Shortness of breath (dyspnea) when you're active or lying down

Ø  Reduced ability to exercise

Ø  Swelling (edema) in your legs, ankles and feet

Ø  Swelling of your abdomen due to fluid buildup (ascites)

Ø  Chest pain

Ø  Extra or unusual sounds heard when your heart beats (heart murmurs)

When to see a doctor

If you're in need of breath or produce other symptoms of dilated cardiomyopathy, see your doctor as soon as possible. Call 911 or your local emergency number if you feel chest pain that lasts more than a few minutes or have severe difficulty breathing.

If a loved one has dilated cardiomyopathy, ask your doctor about being screened or having relations screened for the condition. Early detection using genetic testing may benefit people with inherited sorts of dilated cardiomyopathy who haven't any apparent signs or symptoms.

Causes

The explanation for dilated cardiomyopathy often cannot be determined. However, numerous factors can cause the ventricle to dilate and weaken, including:

Ø  Diabetes

Ø  Obesity

Ø  High blood pressure (hypertension)

Ø  Alcohol abuse

Ø  Certain cancer medications

Ø  Cocaine use and abuse

Ø  Infections, including those caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites

Ø  Exposure to toxins, such as lead, mercury and cobalt

Ø  Arrhythmias

Ø  Complications of late-stage pregnancy

Risk factors

Dilated cardiomyopathy most ordinarily occurs in men, ages 20 to 50. But it can also occur in women. Other risk factors include:

Ø  Damage to the heart muscle from a heart attack

Ø  Family history of dilated cardiomyopathy

Ø  Inflammation of heart muscle from immune system disorders, such as lupus

Ø  Neuromuscular disorders, such as muscular dystrophy

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle habits can assist you prevent or minimize the consequences of dilated cardiomyopathy. If you have dilated cardiomyopathy:

Ø  Don't smoke.

Ø  Don't drink alcohol, or drink in moderation.

Ø  Don't use cocaine or other illegal drugs.

Ø  Eat a healthy diet, especially a low-salt (sodium) diet.

Ø  Maintain a healthy weight.

Ø  Follow an exercise regimen recommended by your doctor.

Ø  Get enough sleep and rest.

Notice: Please consult your doctor before following any instruction of www.myonlinedoctor.co.in