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Dilated cardiomyopathy is a medical condition of the heart which tends to affect the left ventricle which is the main pumping chamber of the heart. In an individual diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, the left ventricle tends to dilate or becomes enlarged because of which it is unable to pump blood with the required amount of force to various parts of the body. Dilated cardiomyopathy is a medical condition that is known to affect individuals of all ages and both genders as well as infants and children. In fact many a time's, dilated cardiomyopathy is known to be one of the common causes for complete heart failure as well as the reason behind the inability of the body to supply the various organs and tissues with the required amount of blood. There have also been several cases of dilated cardiomyopathy which have resulted into blood clots , irregular heartbeats or even sudden death.

Causes

There are various reasons that could result in the left ventricle of the heart getting damaged one of which is damage caused on account of an earlier heart attack. Some of the other commonly found causes of dilated cardiomyopathy include:

• Congenital defects: Dilated cardiomyopathy may also be caused in some people on account of heart defects that may be present in the individual at birth itself.
• Genetics: Research has also shown that there are several genes that tend to act as risk factors for dilated cardiomyopathy.
• Alcohol and drug abuse: Individual who are known to indulge in alcohol consumption and drug abuse for a long period of time are also prone to developing dilated cardiomyopathy
• Infections caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi etc are also known to result in dilated cardiomyopathy over a period of time.
• Dilated cardiomyopathy may also be caused if the individual is exposed to certain metals as well as toxic compounds such as cobalt, lead and mercury.
• Dilated cardiomyopathy may also be caused over a period of time on account of a preexisting high blood pressure condition that has not been controlled properly or also on account of high levels of stress.
• Women at times are also known to develop dilated cardiomyopathy on account of pregnancy , this is referred to as peripartum cardiomyopathy

Symptoms

Some of the commonly observed symptoms of dilated cardiomyopathy include:

• Edema or swelling of the ankle, feet and legs on account of water retention. This water retention may also result in sudden weight gain.
• An individual suffering from dilated cardiomyopathy may also experience shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing when they're active or even when they're simply lying down.
• Symptoms of dilated cardiomyopathy also include fainting, lightheadedness or feeling dizzy as well as a reduced ability to exercise.
• Some people suffering from dilated cardiomyopathy may also develop a pale skin and may lose their appetite over a period of time.

Treatment

The purpose of the treatment for dilated cardiomyopathy is to improve the flow of blood and to also prevent the heart from getting damaged further. Typically dilated cardiomyopathy is treated using a combination of various medications depending on the symptoms of the individual.

Some of the commonly used medications include ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, diuretics and Angiotensin II receptor blockers. The doctor may also recommend blood thinning medications to prevent the formation of blood clots as part of the treatment for dilated cardiomyopathy. The treatment or dilated cardiomyopathy may also include some implantable devices to monitor and control the heart rhythm and also support the weakened heart in pumping the required amount of blood to various parts of the body.

References

• http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001221
• http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/152696-overview