Can dilated cardiomyopathy cause congestive heart failure?

Can dilated cardiomyopathy cause congestive heart failure?

Compared with a normal heart, a heart with dilated cardiomyopathy has enlarged chambers of the heart, which can lead to heart failure if left untreated.

Is dilated cardiomyopathy the same as congestive heart failure?

In congestive cardiomyopathy, also called dilated cardiomyopathy, the heart becomes stretched and weakened and is unable to pump effectively. Heart failure occurs when the heart does not pump strongly enough to meet the needs of the body.

What is the life expectancy of someone with dilated cardiomyopathy?

Clinically, DCM is characterized by a progressive course of ventricular dilatation and systolic dysfunction. The life expectancy is limited and varies according to the underlying etiology with a median survival time of about 5 years after diagnosis.

What is congestive cardiomyopathy?

Congestive cardiomyopathy is a clinical state in which an abnormality of ventricular myocardium results in impaired pump function and circulatory congestion. Multiple factors have been incriminated in the etiology and progression of the myocardial damage.

Can you live a normal life with dilated cardiomyopathy?

Dilated cardiomyopathy is a common condition, and the majority of affected people remain well and have few or no symptoms. Research has shown that, with proper treatment and follow-up, most people with the condition live a normal life.

What are the side effects of dilated cardiomyopathy?

Inflammation of heart muscle from immune system disorders, such as lupus Complications from dilated cardiomyopathy include: Heart failure. Poor blood flow from the left ventricle can lead to heart failure. Your heart might not be able to supply your body with the blood it needs to function properly. Heart valve regurgitation.

How is congestive heart failure related to cardiomyopathy?

Congestive Heart Failure/Cardiomyopathy. Congestive heart failure (or simply, “heart failure”) is a medical condition in which the heart fails to sufficiently pump oxygenated blood needed by the body’s other organs. The heart continues to pump, but not as efficiently as a healthy heart. This condition, which affects nearly six million Americans,…

How are beta blockers used to treat dilated cardiomyopathy?

In addition to being a mainstay treatment for DCM, these drugs are prescribed for heart attack, angina, congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and hypertension (high blood pressure). 5  Beta blockers most often prescribed for dilated cardiomyopathy include Coreg (carvedilol), Toprol (metoprolol), and Ziac (bisoprolol).

What to do if family member has dilated cardiomyopathy?

If a family member has dilated cardiomyopathy, talk to your doctor about being screened or having family members screened for the condition. Early detection using genetic testing may benefit people with inherited forms of dilated cardiomyopathy who have no apparent signs or symptoms.

How can you treat dilated cardiomyopathy?

If you have dilated cardiomyopathy, your doctor might recommend treatment for the underlying cause, if known. Treatment may also be suggested in order to improve blood flow and prevent further damage to your heart. Doctors usually treat dilated cardiomyopathy with a combination of medications.

What is the cause of dilated cardiomyopathy?

The cause of dilated cardiomyopathy often can’t be determined. However, numerous factors can cause the left ventricle to dilate and weaken, including: Diabetes. Obesity. High blood pressure (hypertension) Alcohol abuse. Certain cancer medications. Cocaine use and abuse.

How to reverse dilated cardiomyopathy?

Lifestyle changes, medicines, and surgery may be needed. If doctors can find the cause of your dilated cardiomyopathy, your treatment may be more specific. For example, changing what you eat or limiting how much alcohol you drink can actually reverse the damage that has been done to your heart.

Is there a cure for dilated cardiomyopathy?

There is no cure for cardiomyopathy, including dilated cardiomyopathy. Though it can’t be entirely cured, treatment can help control signs caused by it and prevent the disease from becoming worse. Medication can ease blood flow, reduce the pounding heartbeats, and stop fluid from swelling in…