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