Definition:
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) also known as congestive cardiomyopathy, is refer to enlargment and weakening of the heart that leads to decrease cardiac output and affects other body organs. DCM is one of the cause of congestive heart failure (CHF). This condition also occurs in yound adults and children.
Diagnosis:
Identification of Dilated cardiomyopathy are the following, chest X-ray shows enlargement of the heart and pleural effusion. electrocardiogram (ECG) shows the abnormal contraction of the heart. Echocadiogram also identify ejection fraction of the heart. cardiac catherization and coronary angiogrphy are performed to prevent considering the ischemic heart disease.
Treatment:
Treatment for DCM is the standard treatment for myocardial problem. It includes low fat and salt diet, angiontensin - converting enzyme inhibitor, Diuretics, to increase the excretion of the urine, digitalis and anticoagulant medication, exercise and food supplements, Coenzyme Q10, L-Carnitine, Taurine and D-Ribose.
Symptoms and Signs:
Some patients with DCM are asymptomatic and other patient show manifestation at later stage. Patient are risk of sudden death. The obvious signs are chest pain, loss of consciousness related to lack of blood supply in the brain. The following symtoms include narrowed pulse pressure, increase jugular venous pressure and presence of systolic murmur when auscultated.
Causes:
Dilated cardiomyopathy commonly results from chronic myocardium damage that also causes by toxic in our body, metabolic agent or infectious factor. Autoimmune response also results to dilated cardiomyopathy.Other factors that can precipitate DCM are alcohol abuse, pregnancy, thyroid diseases and infection. Some have unknown cause.
The information on this site is for research purposes only and can not substitute for the advice of a medical professional. Ailments.com is not run by doctors and does not engage in the practice of medicine. Our site is not a medical authority, it is just a research tool for you to use in preparation for consulting with a doctor. We can not guarantee our information is accurate or up to date. Even if a statement made about a medical condition is accurate, it may not apply to you or your symptoms, so you should always consult a doctor. Nothing on our site should be construed as an attempt to offer or render a medical opinion or otherwise engage in the practice of medicine.
