DCM is briefly known as Dilated cardiomyopathy which is used when the heart’s ability to pump blood is less than the normal times because its main pumping chamber, the left ventricle, is enlarged and weakened. In some cases, it helps the heart to clot or fill with blood as it should be. DCM can happen at any age. Though it has no such symptoms for some people, whereas, some can find a mild symptom and the rest can face a lot of symptoms which can get worse as their heart gets sicker. Such symptoms are –
• Shortness of breath
• Swelling of your legs
• Fatigue
• Weight gain
• Fainting
• Palpitations
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Blood clots in the dilated left ventricle
• Chest pain or pressure
• Sudden death.
DCM is inherited but it is usually caused by other things, though it can also happen to women after they give birth. The causes are as follows:
• Severe coronary artery disease
• Alcoholism
• Thyroid disease
• Diabetes
• Viral infections of the heart
• Heart valve abnormalities
• Drugs that damage the heart.
A doctor will come to a conclusion that whether you have DCM or not by seeing these tests –
• Your symptoms
• Your family history
• A physical exam
• Blood tests
• An electrocardiogram
• A chest X-ray
• An echocardiogram
• An exercise stress test
• Cardiac catheterization
• A CT scan
• An MRI
Over time, it can affect the other chambers of the heart. Many people with DCM have no symptoms. Some of those do have only minor ones and live a normal life. Others develop symptoms that may get worse as their heart gets a sticker. DCM can be inherited, but usually, it is caused by other things and includes Alcoholism.
The chemical DCM can be toxic. It can come with a serious health risk this chemical is can be absorbed by the skin. The DCM can be cured with the help of its treatment although it totally depends on the symptoms of the DCM and how harsh DCM is working on that person. DCM can be easily cured by doctors.
What is the life expectancy of a person with dilated cardiomyopathy?
The life expectancy of a person with dilated cardiomyopathy is about 5 years after diagnosis. The treatment includes Medical therapy, Electrical treatment, and Surgery treatment. A person suffering from dilated cardiomyopathy has an enlarged heart and a low pulse pressure.
Some of the causes for dilated cardiomyopathy are Coronary heart disease, heart attack, high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid disease, viral hepatitis, and HIV. Dilated cardiomyopathy might not come with symptoms although it is very life-threatening. It is a common cause of heart failure.
| Term | Full Form |
| DCM | Dilated Cardiomyopathy |
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