Complete Information on Dilated cardiomyopathy with Treatment and Prevention

Dilated cardiomyopathy is a circumstance in which the eye becomes diminished and expanded, and cannot pump blood expeditiously. Dilated cardiomyopathy is a circumstance in which the eye becomes diminished and expanded, and cannot pump blood expeditiously. It occurs more frequently in men than in women, and is most common between the ages of 20 and 60 years. Dilated cardiomyopathy also occurs in children. Although no cause is apparent in many cases, dilated cardiomyopathy is probably the end result of damage to the myocardium produced by a variety of toxic, metabolic, or infectious agents. A reversible form of dilated cardiomyopathy may be found with alcohol abuse, pregnancy, thyroid disease, stimulant use, and chronic uncontrolled tachycardia. Autoimmune mechanisms are also suggested as a cause for dilated cardiomyopathy.

Dilated cardiomyopathy is one of the cardiomyopathies, a group of diseases that primarily impact the myocardium. The disease is genetically heterogeneous, but the almost popular kind of its infection is an autosomal predominant form. For many affected individuals, dilated cardiomyopathy is a condition which will not limit the quality or duration of life. A minority, however, experience significant symptoms and there is sometimes a risk of sudden death. The virus infects and weakens the heart muscle. As in coronary artery disease, the weakened heart stretches in an attempt to compensate, resulting in dilated cardiomyopathy and often heart failure. Occasionally, dilated cardiomyopathy results from a bacterial infection. Rare causes of dilated cardiomyopathy include pregnancy and connective tissue disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis.

People with distinct stages of disease will get varying combinations of symptoms. When cardiomyopathy results from a transmission, the best symptoms may be an abrupt fever and flu-like symptoms. Vague chest pain may be present, but typical angina pectoris is unusual and suggests the presence of concomitant ischemic heart disease. Syncope due to arrhythmias, and systemic embolism may occur. Alcohol should be avoided. Leakage causes murmurs, which doctors can hear with a stethoscope. Damage to and stretching of the heart muscle may result in abnormal heart rhythms, which may cause awareness of heartbeats or death. Blood pools in the enlarged heart, increasing the risk of blood clots forming on heart chamber walls. The leakage of the valves and the abnormal heart rhythms may interfere further with the heart's pumping action.

The diagnosis is based on the symptoms and the results of a physical examination. General treatment measures include avoiding stress, limiting salt in the diet, and having periods of rest, which help reduce strain on the heart, particularly when the cardiomyopathy is acute or severe. Anticoagulants may also be used. Drugs, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, beta-blockers, spironolactone or eplerenone, and low-dose digoxin, improve the heart's pumping function, prolong life, and decrease persistent symptoms. Artificial pacemakers may be used in patients with intraventricular conduction delay, and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators in those at risk of arrhythmia. In patients with advanced disease who are refractory to medical therapy, cardiac transplantation may be considered. If the heart function remains poor, a heart transplant may be considered.

Juliet Cohen writes articles for health care blog. She also writes articles for hairstyles gallery.