Dilated Cardiomyopathy
- causes and risk factors
- signs, symptoms, and diagnosis
- pathophysiology
- treatments
- consequences and course
- resources and eferences
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a type of CHF occuring at any age but most common in people between 20 and 50.
Causes and Risk Factors
Signs, Symptoms, and Diagnosis
Pathophysiology
Alcohol toxicity is strongly associated with development of dilated cardiomopathy in some people, either through direct toxic effects or secondary nutritional deficiencies.
The heart is unusally heavy, perhaps 2-3x normal, and is large and flabby. Dilation of all four chambers occurs. Wall can be less than, equal to, or greater than normal. Mural thrombi are common.
Treatments
Consequences and Course
People with DCM can quickly fall into a decompensated function state. In the end stage, ejection fractions are often less than 25%.
Secondary mitral regurgitation, arrhythmias, and emboli are common.
Mortality is high, with only 25-50% of people alive after 5 years.
Resources and References