Dilated Cardiomyopathy – Symptoms and Causes
Heart Muscle Disease Overview
Enlarged heart condition is a heart muscle disease where the heart chambers stretch and become thinner. This usually begins in the left ventricle, which is the main pumping chamber.
When the heart becomes enlarged like this, it can’t pump blood effectively throughout the body. This condition affects men more frequently than women.
Without treatment, this condition can lead to heart failure and may become life-threatening. It’s actually one of the most common causes of heart failure.
Symptoms
People with dilated cardiomyopathy often show no symptoms during early stages.
When symptoms develop, they may include:
- Feeling tired
- Trouble breathing during activity or when lying down
- Decreased exercise ability
- Swelling in legs, ankles, feet, or stomach area
- Pain or discomfort in the chest
- Racing or pounding heartbeat
These symptoms happen because the heart becomes less able to pump blood effectively through the body.
When to See a Doctor
Seek medical help right away if you experience shortness of breath or other symptoms related to dilated cardiomyopathy. These symptoms shouldn’t be ignored.
Emergency situations require immediate action:
- Call 911 if you have chest pain lasting more than a few minutes
- Seek emergency care for severe breathing difficulties
Family history concerns are also important. If a relative has dilated cardiomyopathy, consult with your healthcare provider. Some forms of this condition are inherited, and genetic testing might be recommended to assess your risk.
Remember that early detection and treatment can significantly improve outcomes for heart conditions.
What Causes Heart Enlargement
Heart enlargement, known as dilated cardiomyopathy, happens when the heart’s main pumping chamber (left ventricle) weakens and expands. Several health conditions can lead to this problem:
Medical Conditions
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Heart valve problems (like leaky mitral or aortic valves)
- Irregular heartbeats
- Too much iron in the body (hemochromatosis)
- Certain infections
- Pregnancy complications (in late stages)
- Obesity
Lifestyle and Environmental Factors
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Exposure to toxic metals (lead, mercury, cobalt)
- Using illegal drugs (cocaine, amphetamines)
- Some cancer medications
Sometimes doctors cannot pinpoint exactly what caused the heart to enlarge.
Risk Factors
Several factors can increase the risk of developing dilated cardiomyopathy:
- Family history of the condition, heart failure, or sudden cardiac arrest
- Heart valve problems
- Long-term high blood pressure
- Excessive alcohol consumption over many years
- Illegal drug use for extended periods
- Immune system disorders causing heart muscle inflammation
- Neuromuscular conditions like muscular dystrophy
- Certain diseases that damage heart muscle, such as hemochromatosis
These factors can weaken the heart muscle, making it less able to pump blood effectively.
Complications
Dilated cardiomyopathy can lead to several serious health problems. When the heart becomes enlarged and weakened, it may not pump blood effectively, causing heart failure. This condition prevents the body from getting the blood it needs and can be life-threatening without proper treatment.
The disease can also affect heart valves. As the heart chambers stretch, the valves may not close properly, allowing blood to leak backward. This is called valve regurgitation.
Changes in heart structure often disrupt normal electrical signals, leading to irregular heartbeats or arrhythmias. In severe cases, the heart may suddenly stop beating, causing cardiac arrest.
Other serious complications include:
- Blood clots forming in the enlarged left heart chamber
- Clots traveling through the bloodstream to block vessels
- Potential for stroke if clots reach the brain
- Heart attack risk if clots block coronary arteries
- Damage to other organs from clot blockages
Arrhythmias can increase the risk of blood clot formation as well.
Ways to Prevent Problems
Healthy habits can help stop or limit problems from dilated cardiomyopathy. Here are some heart-healthy actions to take:
Skip alcohol or drink very little.
Don’t smoke cigarettes.
Avoid illegal drugs, especially cocaine.
Eat healthy foods with low salt content.
Get enough rest. Make sure to sleep well each night.
Exercise regularly with doctor-approved activities.
Keep a healthy weight through diet and exercise.
Control stress through relaxation techniques.
These steps can make a big difference in heart health over time.
