Dilated cardiomyopathy is a condition in which the heart becomes weakened and enlarged, and cannot pump blood efficiently. The decreased heart function can affect the lungs, liver, and other body systems.

There are several different types of cardiomyopathy. Dilated cardiomyopathy is the most common form.

See also:

• Alcoholic cardiomyopathy
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
• Ischemic cardiomyopathy
• Peripartum cardiomyopathy
• Restrictive cardiomyopathy

There are many causes of dilated cardiomyopathy. They may include nutritional deficiencies, valvular heart disease, anemia, stress, viral infections (rare), alcoholism (alcoholic cardiomyopathy), and coronary artery disease.

Dilated cardiomyopathy occurs in an estimated 2 out of 100 people. It can affect anyone of any age, although it is most common in adult men.

Risk factors include obesity, cocaine use, a personal or family history of cardiac disorders (such as myocarditis), and alcoholism.

• Swelling of feet and ankles
• Swelling of the abdomen
• Pronounced neck veins
• Loss of appetite
• Shortness of breath, especially with activity
• Shortness of breath which occurs after lying down for a while
• Fatigue, weakness, faintness
• Sensation of feeling the heart beat (palpitations)
• Pulse may feel irregular or rapid
• Decreased alertness or concentration
• Cough
• Low urine production
• Need to urinate at night

Note: Symptoms of heart failure often develop gradually. Some chest pain may also be associated with this disease.

Cardiomyopathy is usually discovered on examination and testing for the cause of heart failure. Tapping the area with the fingers and feeling the area may indicate enlargement of the heart. Listening to the chest with a stethoscope reveals lung crackles, heart murmur, or other abnormal sounds. The liver may be enlarged. Neck veins may be distended.

Heart enlargement, congestion of the lungs, decreased movement/functioning of the heart, or heart failure may show on:

• Echocardiogram
• Chest x-ray
• Chest CT scan
• Cardiac catheterization and coronary angiography
• Nuclear heart scan (MUGA, RNV)

An ECG may show conduction disturbances or arrhythmias, and may indicate enlargement of the ventricles. Heart biopsy may be helpful to distinguish dilated cardiomyopathy from other diseases. Lab tests vary depending on the suspected cause.