A disease affecting the cardiac muscle, dilated cardiomyopathy can make it harder for the heart to pump blood as the disease progresses. While there is no cure, medication can help manage symptoms.
The myocardium is a muscle that helps distribute blood throughout a person’s body. Dilated cardiomyopathy affects the chambers in the heart, which become larger as a result. This impedes the heart’s ability to pump blood, which can lead to serious complications over time.
While doctors are not always sure what causes dilated cardiomyopathy, certain factors may contribute to the condition:
Symptoms can include shortness of breath (both during activity and when lying down), extreme tiredness, chest pain, heart palpitations, and swelling in the midsection and/or lower extremities. These symptoms are evident in many other heart conditions, so timely medical assessment is recommended.
While treatment of dilated cardiomyopathy can vary according to the contributing cause, medications are often used to manage symptoms. To prevent the heart from working too hard, a doctor may prescribe drugs called ACE inhibitors, while anti-arrhythmia medications can help the heart maintain a normal rate.
If fluid accumulation is an issue, diuretic medications are helpful. Blood thinners may also be provided to reduce a person’s risk of developing a dangerous blood clot. Some drugs, known as aldosterone antagonists, can also prevent the arteries from tightening. While medication is often beneficial, some patients will require surgery to address underlying health conditions causing dilated cardiomyopathy.