Dilated
cardiomyopathy (DCM) is the most common type of cardiomyopathy that occurs
mostly in adults in the age-group 20-60. It affects the lower and upper
chambers of the ticker (ventricles and atria). DCM is a disease of your heart
muscle where it becomes stretched and thin(begins to dilate) and the heart isunable
to pump blood around your body efficiently. The disease most often starts in
the left ventricle, which is the ticker’s main pumping chamber causing the
heart muscle to stretch. As a result, the inside of the chambers enlarges. It
often spreads to the right ventricle and then to the atria. The heart muscle
doesn’t contract normally and cannot pump blood well as the heart chambers
dilate which can eventually cause heart failure (HF). Common symptoms of HF
include fatigue, shortness of breath, swelling of the ankles, feet, legs,
abdomen and veins in the neck. Dilated cardiomyopathy can also lead to heart
valve problems, arrhythmias and blood clots in the ticker.
What
Causes DCM:
Often, DCM
cause isn’t known. Around one-third of individuals of those who have it inherit
it from their parents. Diseases, conditions and substances can also cause DCM
including coronary heart disease, heart attack, high blood pressure, diabetes,
thyroid disease, viral hepatitis and HIV; alcohol; infections particularly
viral infections that inflame the heart muscle; complications during the last
month of pregnancy; toxins like cobalt; drugs such as cocaine, amphetamines and
certain medicines used to treat cancer.
DCM
Symptoms:
DCM develops
slowly in most cases, so some people can have quite severe symptoms before they
are diagnosed with the most common symptoms being shortness of breath,
excessive tiredness, palpitations and swelling of the ankles and abdomen.
Diagnosis:
ECG and
echocardiogram are the most common tests for cardiomyopathy where the former
records the electrical activity of your ticker whereas the latter shows the
pumping action of your ticker. Doctors may also suggest an exercise test,
angiogram or MRI scan.
Treatments:
There is no
cure for DCM at present, but treatments are available to help control your
symptoms thus preventing complications. The treatment depends on how your
ticker is affected and the symptoms that you have. A number of other conditions
can develop as a result of having DCM for some people including abnormal heart
rhythms (arrhythmias), blood clots and chest pain. Medicines, a pacemaker (to
control your heart rate) or an ICD (if you are at risk of a life-threatening
arrhythmia) may be required.
Living
with DCM:
According to
research, with proper treatment and follow-up, most people with the condition can
live a normal life. However, a small proportion of people with the condition
are at risk of sudden cardiac death as there’s a very small risk of getting a
life-threatening arrhythmia. Discuss about this risk with your doctor, they may
offer medication or advise that you need to have an ICD fitted if you are at a
higher risk. To manage your symptoms, you may have to make small changes, but
you should be able to continue to work or drive a car. Do consult your
healthcare provider in this regard.
Cardiac
arrest can strike anyone, any time. It’s better that you stay prepared to
handle such medical emergencies efficiently involving someone else. Get trained
in CPR which is a life-saving procedure for a person whose heart has stopped
beating or is no longer breathing. It comprises chest compressions and rescue
breaths. Proper application of the procedure can maintain circulation and
breathing until emergency medical help arrives. Seconds count when someone’s
blood flow or breathing stops, permanent brain damage or death can happen quickly.
You could save a life with your knowledge in how to perform cardiopulmonary
resuscitation.
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