Dilated cardiomyopathy is a disease in which the heart muscle is weakened, and walls stretch it difficult for the heart to pump enough blood through the body. This situation generates overexertion on the part of the heart, increasing the risk of cardiovascular problems. Some of the symptoms accompanying dilated cardiomyopathy are heart failure, chest pain, and fatigue. The causes that cause the dilation of the walls are several, among which are alcohol, coronary heart disease, and hereditary diseases, among others. In this FastlyHealarticle we explain dilated cardiomyopathy’s causes, symptoms, and treatment.
Table of Contents
Causes of dilated cardiomyopathy
Several reasons: can cause dilated cardiomyopathy.
- Coronary heart disease includes injury to the coronary arteries or a heart attack.
- Consumption of alcohol or cocaine. 30% of cases of dilated cardiomyopathy are caused by alcohol. Frequent alcohol consumption ends up weakening the heart due to its toxic effect. In addition, people who are used to drinking alcohol interfere with their diet. It can harm their correct nutrition.
- Arrhythmias in which the heart beats very fast in a short time.
- Medicines can damage the heart, such as those used to treat cancer.
- Hereditary heart problems. Although the existence of a gene that causes dilated cardiomyopathy has not been demonstrated, it is believed that there may be a genetic factor. Cases may occur in members of the same family.
- Narrowing of heart valves.
Symptoms of dilated cardiomyopathy
The symptoms and signs that could indicate the presence of dilatation cardiomyopathy appear progressively and slowly. However, they may appear suddenly, assuming a greater seriousness for health.
- Tiredness and fainting
- Arrhythmias
- Tos.
- Lack of appetite.
- Chest pain is usually more severe after exercise.
- They were breathing difficulties when doing physical activity or resting for a while.
- Swollen feet and ankles
Diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy
The medical tests that can diagnose dilated cardiomyopathy are:
- Electrocardiogram . It consists of placing a series of electrodes on the skin to check the heart’s activity and detect any abnormal rhythm of the same.
- Echocardiography. It allows to know the position and size of the heart and to be able to see the presence of some damage in it.
- Angiogram . It is an X-ray of the blood vessels to see how the blood flows through them.
- Biopsy . A biopsy of the myocardium tissues can also be used to determine the severity of damage to the heart.
Treatment of dilated cardiomyopathy
The treatment of dilated cardiomyopathy is based on relieving the symptoms that derive from it. If the cause of the heart muscle weakness is known, treatment may be more specific. Thus, if alcohol is the cause of the condition, its consumption should be abandoned entirely, and possibly certain aspects of the diet improved.
The most commonly used medications to improve heart function are diuretics, which reduce excess fluid in the body; vasodilators to relax blood vessels; and those that normalize the heartbeat to reduce overexertion. The surgery is performed when drugs can not help reduce symptoms or when the root cause of the problem is severe, assuming a greater health risk. In some cases, a heart transplant or the help of a heart assist device is recommended.
Changes in lifestyle
When there are cardiovascular problems, one of the best ways to contribute to improving and reducing risk factors is by adopting a series of healthy lifestyle guidelines.
- Introduce a healthy and balanced diet.
- Lower cholesterol
- Avoid being overweight.
- Control high blood pressure.
- Stop smoking and drinking alcohol.
- Try to avoid stress and anxiety.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
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I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.