Dr. M.J. Bazos, MD
Patient Handout
CARDIOMYOPATHY,
DILATED
About Your
Diagnosis
Cardiomyopathy is a disease
of the heart muscle that prevents the muscle from generating the normal force of
contraction. The result is that the heart does not effectively pump blood (heart
failure). The cardiac chambers may dilate, which means they enlarge inside. The
heart muscle may try to thicken to generate more force to keep blood pumping
normally from the heart. The heart valves may become affected as the heart
chambers enlarge, which may worsen the flow of blood. The cause of dilated
cardiomyopathy is usually unknown. Factors that damage the heart muscle and lead
to heart failure can cause it. Toxins such as alcohol, infections, and some
connective tissue diseases may cause
cardiomyopathy.
Living With Your
Diagnosis
Most persons with this
condition experience fatigue, decreased ability to exercise, or shortness of
breath. You may have swelling of the legs or feet, chest pain, or palpitations
(feeling of the heart beating too fast). Symptoms lead to an examination, which
may show an abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG) and a heart that looks enlarged on
a chest radiograph (x-ray). The examination may show signs of an enlarged heart
and heart failure. Echocardiography (an ultrasound examination of the heart) or
angiography (radiographic examination performed to assess blood flow through the
heart) is used to assess the pumping function of the
heart.
Treatment
Therapy
for cardiomyopathy is aimed at the symptoms of the heart failure and abnormal
heart rhythms (arrhythmias) that occur. A heart valve operation may be needed if
the valves are damaged. If damaged valves are present, antibiotics are
prescribed for use before and after dental or surgical procedures. If a cause of
cardiomyopathy is known, the patient is treated for that condition.
Antiarrhythmic medications are prescribed. If pumping function is seriously
decreased and the symptoms of heart failure are worsening, heart transplantation
is considered for young
patients.
The
DOs
•Decrease excess sodium
(salt) and fluid in your diet.
•Take
all medications as prescribed.
The
DON’Ts
•Avoid alcohol
consumption.
•Avoid strenuous
exercise until you have clearance from your
physician.
When to Call Your
Doctor
•If you have new or
worsening chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling in the legs, or
fainting.