The full form of DCM is the Dilated Cardiomyopathy. is a condition in which the heart chambers expand and lose their capacity to contract. It frequently begins in the left ventricle (bottom chamber). As the illness progresses, it may extend to the right ventricle and atria (top chambers). The heart chamber weakens and contracts poorly as it spreads. The heart eventually can't pump as much blood forward as it used to. This causes fluid to accumulate in the lungs and throughout the body. This is known as cardiac failure.
DCM is uncommon, but not uncommon. It affects males more than women and primarily individuals aged 20 to 60.
DCM can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
HIV and Lyme disease are two examples of infections.
Polymyositis is an example of an autoimmune illness.
Alcoholism, cocaine usage, heavy metal exposure, and some chemotherapeutic medicines.
Thyroid disorder
Diabetes
Their blood pressure is high.
In response to a heart attack or clogged arteries in the heart (coronary artery disease).
Heart valve issues
Problems with nutrition or electrolytes (rare in the United States)
Pregnancy (develops just before or after delivery) (develops shortly before or after birth)
Muscular dystrophies are genetic disorders.
DCM may not have any symptoms in its early stages. Symptoms may worsen gradually or rapidly. Among the symptoms are:
Exertion causes shortness of breath (may progress to shortness of breath when at rest)
When resting down, you may have shortness of breath.
Shortness of breath that wakes you up in the middle of the night
Fatigue
Reduced capacity to be physically active and exercise
Leg and other regions of swelling
Fainting
Weakness or feeling dizzy
Cough
Heart rhythm irregularities
The following are risk factors for dilated cardiomyopathy:
Certain illnesses, such as hemochromatosis, cause heart muscle damage.
Dilated cardiomyopathy, heart failure, or sudden cardiac arrest in the family
Valve disease of the heart
Heart muscle inflammation caused by immune system illnesses such as lupus
Excessive alcohol or illicit drug consumption over a long period.
Chronic high blood pressure.
Muscular dystrophy is an example of a neuromuscular condition.
Dilated cardiomyopathy complications include:
Failure of the heart. The heart cannot pump enough blood to fulfil the body’s demands. Heart failure, if left untreated, can be fatal.
Heart valve leaks (heart valve regurgitation). Cardiomyopathy might make it more difficult for heart valves to seal. A cardiac valve may allow blood to flow backwards.
Heartbeat irregularities (arrhythmias). Changes in the size and form of the heart might disrupt its rhythm.
If you develop shortness of breath or other signs of dilated cardiomyopathy, consult your doctor as soon as possible.
Speak with your medical provider if a family member has dilated cardiomyopathy. Some kinds of dilated cardiomyopathy are hereditary (are inherited). Genetic testing may be advised.
Characteristics of dilated cardiomyopathy, such as weariness and shortness of breath, might be mistaken for those of other medical diseases, therefore causes a disadvantage in identifying and correcting the disorder.
One in every 2,500 persons is impacted. It is more common in men than in women. The most common age of onset is middle age. The five-year survival rate is around 50%. It is the most frequent kind of cardiomyopathy in children.
Healthy living practices can aid in the prevention or reduction of dilated cardiomyopathy problems. The following steps are suggested for reducing the risk of DCM:
Avoid or restrict alcohol consumption.
You should not smoke.
Don't experiment with cocaine or other illicit substances.
Consume a healthful, low-sodium diet (sodium).
Get adequate rest and sleep.