Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated Cardiomyopathy

It is defined as the condition in which your heart main pumping organ (left ventricle) dilated and the muscles of the heart become thin and unable to perform their normal function. It is one of the conditions related to cardiomyopathy

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of dilated cardiomyopathy includes:

• Swelling in extremities
• Dyspnea
• Fatigue
• Irregular heart rhythm
• Ascites
• Chest pain
• Heart murmurs

Causes

Some major causes of dilated cardiomyopathy include:

• Alcohol abuse
• Hypertension
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Cancer
• Infections
• Arrhythmias
• Pregnancy complications

Complications

Complications from dilated cardiomyopathy include:

• Stroke
• Heart failure
• Coma
• Atrial fibrillation
• Arrhythmia
• Edema
• Blood clots

Diagnosis

Diagnostic tests include:

• Chest X-ray. To see the condition of heart and lungs
• To evaluate the pumping ability of your heart
• To check the electrical activity of the heart
• CT scan. This will provide the better image of the heart

Treatment

Treatment options include:

• Beta blockers
• Calcium channel blocker
• Nitrate
• Aspirin
• Cholesterol lowering drugs

Implantable devices also used to treat this disease like biventricular pacemakers to coordinate the electrical impulse and cardioverter defibrillators.

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

• Reduce sodium in diet
• Stop smoking
• Avoid alcohol
• Eat a healthy diet
• Exercise daily
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Take proper sleep
• Avoid stress
• Control blood pressure