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Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Alternate Names : Cardiomyopathy - Dilated
DefinitionDilated cardiomyopathy is a group of disorders in which the heart muscle is weakened and cannot pump blood efficiently. Decreased heart function affects the lungs, liver, and other body systems.
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
The causes of cardiomyopathy are multiple and may include nutritional deficiencies, valvular heart disease, anemia, stress, viral infections (rare), alcoholism (alcoholic cardiomyopathy), coronary artery disease, and others. In some cases, no cause can be identified (idiopathic cardiomyopathy).
Enlargement of the heart muscle (dilated cardiomyopathy) is the most common type of cardiomyopathy. Restrictive cardiomyopathy is another type that occurs when there is damage to the heart and scarring (fibrosis) or deposits develop in the heart muscle.
Some risk factors include obesity, having a personal or family history of cardiac disorders, such as myocarditis and alcoholism.
Dilated cardiomyopathy occurs in approximately 2 out of 100 people. It can affect all ages and both sexes, but is most common in adult men.
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Definition Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors Symptoms & Signs Prevention Diagnosis & Tests Treatment Prognosis Complications Calling Your Health Care Provider
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Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
Alcoholic Cardiomyopathy Anemia Angina - Stable Arrhythmias Cardiomyopathy Dilated Cardiomyopathy Heart Failure Myocarditis Pulmonary Edema Pulmonary Valve Stenosis Restrictive Cardiomyopathy Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Tests & Exams
Chest X-Ray Coronary Angiography ECG Echocardiogram Myocardial Biopsy Nuclear Ventriculography (MUGA or RNV) Pulse Thoracic CT
Surgery & Procedures
Heart Transplant
Other Topics
Abdomen - Swollen Acute Appetite - Decreased Blood Pressure - Low Breathing Difficulty Chest Pain Consciousness - Decreased Cough Fainting Fatigue Foot, Leg, and Ankle Swelling Headache Heartbeat Sensations Obesity Stress and Anxiety Urination - Excessive at Night Urine Output - Decreased Weakness
Review Date : 6/4/2002
Reviewed By : Seth Keller, M.D., Division of Cardiology, Yale New Haven Medical Center, New Haven, CT. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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