| About Cardiomyopathies
What are Cardiomyopathies?
Cardiomyopathies are a group of inherited heart diseases that cause the heart muscle to become abnormally enlarged, thickened, and /or stiffened diminishing the heart’s ability to function and creating the potential for arrhythmias. In some patients, cardiomyopathies cause noticeable symptoms from an early age, but in others they can go undetected for years until unexpectedly causing symptoms. Cardiomyopathies can cause the heart to beat irregularly causing symptoms such as fainting or seizures and lead to the diagnosis of potentially dangerous conditions, such as:
Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)
What is DCM?
DCM has both acquired (non-genetic) and genetic causes. Possible causes of acquired DCM include: injury to the heart related to coronary artery disease, myocarditis (inflammation of the heart sometimes caused by infection), chronic high blood pressure or alcoholism. Once acquired causes of DCM are ruled out, the disease is traditionally described as idiopathic. Approximately 20-50% of patients with idiopathic DCM have a genetic form of the disease.
DCM is a disease in which the myocardium becomes abnormally stretched or “dilated”, commonly affecting the left ventricle. DCM may make it difficult for the heart to pump enough blood throughout the body, especially during physical exertion. It may also affect the heart’s electrical system, leading to problems with heartbeat regulation and mechanical function. Patients may ultimately develop arrhythmias that put them at increased risk for sudden cardiac death.
Symptoms associated with DCM tend to appear late during the disease process. The severity of symptoms can vary among patients. Some DCM patients progress to heart failure and may require a heart transplant.
Diagnosing DCM
Making an early diagnosis of DCM can be challenging. The symptoms associated with DCM typically manifest during the later stages of the disease process. Typical symptoms of DCM include shortness of breath, chest pain and/or fainting especially during exercise or physical exertion. Identifying DCM early in its disease process is important to help prevent complications.
Treating DCM
There are no known therapies for preventing DCM, however drug therapy can slow the progression of disease and help alleviate symptoms. Some treatment options include:
- Medications to help relax the heart muscle and slow your heart rate
- Implantation of a left ventricle assist device
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