All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. [2] The left ventricle of affected individuals becomes enlarged (dilated) and cannot pump blood to the body with as much force as a healthy heart can. Thatâs called postpartum Your doctor will decide if you have DCM after he looks at things like:Another test thatâs rarely done to find the cause of cardiomyopathy is called a myocardial If you have a relative with dilated cardiomyopathy, ask your doctor if you should be screened for it. Chest pain 7. Others develop symptoms that may get worse as their heart gets sicker.Symptoms of DCM can happen at any age and may include:DCM can be inherited, but itâs usually caused by other things, including:It can also happen in women after they give birth. Signs and symptoms include:If you're short of breath or have other symptoms of dilated cardiomyopathy, see your doctor as soon as possible. Some that do have only minor ones, and live a normal life. If you have dilated cardiomyopathy, you're likely to have signs and symptoms of heart failure or arrhythmias caused by your condition. Swelling of your abdomen due to fluid buildup (ascites) 6. Signs and symptoms include: 1. Many people with dilated cardiomyopathy have no symptoms. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. However, numerous factors can cause the left ventricle to dilate and weaken, including:Dilated cardiomyopathy most commonly occurs in men, ages 20 to 50. With time, the heart muscle walls weaken and are not able … A common cause of heart failure — the heart's inability to supply the body with enough blood — dilated cardiomyopathy can also contribute to irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias), blood clots or sudden death.The condition affects people of all ages, including infants and children, but is most common in men ages 20 to 50.If you have dilated cardiomyopathy, you're likely to have signs and symptoms of heart failure or arrhythmias caused by your condition. It may also result in chest pain or fainting. If you have dilated cardiomyopathy:Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Shortness of breath (dyspnea) when you're active or lying down 3. Other risk factors include:Healthy lifestyle habits can help you prevent or minimize the effects of dilated cardiomyopathy. "WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Fatigue 2. At first, the chambers of the heart respond by stretching to hold more blood to pump through the body. The term "cardiomyopathy" is a general term that refers to the abnormality of the heart muscle itself.Dilated cardiomyopathy might not cause symptoms, but for some people it can be life-threatening. Reduced ability to exercise 4. In the case of dilated cardiomyopathy, itâs aimed at making the heart stronger and getting rid of substances in the bloodstream that enlarge the heart and lead to more severe symptoms:People with severe DCM may need one of the following surgeries:The pacemaker also will help people with heart block (a problem with the heart's electrical system) or some bradycardias (slow heart rates).National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: "What Is Heart Block? In dilated cardiomyopathy, the heart's ability to pump blood is decreased because the heart's main pumping chamber, the left ventricle, is enlarged, dilated and weak.
The ventricle stretches and thins (dilates) and can't pump blood as well as a healthy heart can. Complications can include heart failure, heart valve disease, or an irregular heartbeat. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a disease of the heart muscle which primarily affects the heart's main pumping chamber, the left ventricle. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a condition in which the heart becomes enlarged and cannot pump blood effectively. Extra or unusual sounds heard when your heart beats (heart murmurs) Dilated cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle, usually starting in your heart's main pumping chamber (left ventricle). © 1998-2020 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Call 911 or your local emergency number if you feel chest pain that lasts more than a few minutes or have severe difficulty breathing.If a family member has dilated cardiomyopathy, talk to your doctor about being screened or having family members screened for the condition. Swelling (edema) in your legs, ankles and feet 5. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is when the heart 's ability to pump blood is lessened because its main pumping chamber, the left ventricle, is enlarged and …
But it can also occur in women. This helps to strengthen the heart's contraction and keep the blood moving for a short while. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is the most common type of nonischemic cardiomyopathy. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Symptoms vary from none to feeling tired, leg swelling, and shortness of breath.