Dilated cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle in which the heart, most often the left ventricle, becomes enlarged and can no longer pump blood effectively. Some people have no symptoms, while others feel tired, notice leg swelling and shortness of breath, or have chest pain or fainting; complications include heart failure, valve disease and irregular heartbeat. Recognized causes include genetics, alcohol, cocaine, certain toxins, complications of pregnancy and some infections, although in many people the cause is never established. Diagnosis can be supported by an electrocardiogram, chest X-ray or echocardiogram. Treatment for heart failure may use ACE inhibitor, beta blocker and diuretic medicines, a low salt diet, blood thinners or an implantable defibrillator, and in some cases resynchronization therapy or heart transplant. It is the most common form of cardiomyopathy in adults and in children.