Lifestyle changes. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) can be inherited, but it is primarily caused by severe coronary artery disease, alcoholism, thyroid disease, diabetes, viral infections of the heart, heart valvue abnormalities, toxic drugs. Your doctor may have you perform an exercise test, either walking on a treadmill or riding a stationary bike. Your doctor will discuss what medications are best for you. Dilated cardiomyopathy or DCM is caused when the myocardium of the heart is damaged due to some toxic or infectious element. Exercise stress test. If you're unable to exercise, you may be given medication to create stress on your heart. If you have dilated cardiomyopathy: 1. Diuretics 2. Treatment of dilated cardiomyopathy is essentially the same as treatment of chronic heart failure (CHF). Here's information to help you get ready for your appointment. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/book/export/html/4916. 8th ed. 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 |. Dilated cardiomyopathy is currently the most common indication for heart transplantation. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. The treatment of cardiomyopathy depends on its cause. Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute (Miller Family), Find more Heart & Vascular Diseases & Conditions topics, Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia, To treat symptoms and prevent complications. Patients usually take several medications to treat DCM. 1. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Dilated cardiomyopathy is a heart muscle disorder defined by the presence of a dilated and poorly functioning left ventricle in the absence of abnormal loading conditions (hypertension, valve disease) or ischaemic heart disease sufficient to cause global systolic impairment. Get enough sleep and rest. Accessed May 22, 2017. doi: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000000455. Treatments for dilated cardiomyopathy At present there is no cure for DCM, but treatments are available to help control your symptoms and prevent complications. Depending on your symptoms, you might need two or more of these drugs. What websites do you recommend? Then, he or she will also do a physical exam using a stethoscope to listen to your heart and lungs, and order tests. It is a type of cardiomyopathy, a group of diseases that primarily affects the heart muscle. In dilated cardiomyopathy, the heart's ability to pump blood is decreased because the heart's main pumping chamber, the left ventricle, is enlarged, dilated and weak. This content does not have an English version. In: Tintinalli's Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Study Guide. However, because there is a very small risk of getting a life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm, a small proportion of people with dilated cardiomyopathy are at risk of sudden cardiac death. Acquired causes include myocarditis and exposure to alcohol, drugs and toxins, and metabolic and endocrine disturbances. If you have dilated cardiomyopathy, these self-care strategies may help you manage your symptoms: 1. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is the most common type of nonischemic cardiomyopathy. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. If you have dilated cardiomyopathy, your doctor might recommend treatment for the underlying cause, if known. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Dilated cardiomyopathy possess a threat for blood clots, stroke and heart failure in cats, therefore treatment must be sought by a veterinary professional. Treatment is directed at the cause. Make a donation. You can feel confident in your care, because we bring together a team of cardiologists, electrophysiologists, genetic counselors, advanced practice providers, nurses, and other experts to work together on your behalf. Patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) can develop a broad range of bradyrhythmias and tachyarrhythmias including sinus node dysfunction, various degrees of atrioventricular block, interventricular conduction delay, and atrial and ventricular arrhythmias. Here are some of the more common treatments: 1. This content does not have an Arabic version. The latest information about heart & vascular disorders, treatments, tests and prevention from the No. Treatment for Dilated Cardiomyopathy Our goal is to care for your heart, so you can focus on your life. The prognosis in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy may be poorer than the prognosis for most cancers, whereas tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy can be cured completely by restoring sinus rhythm. How can I best manage them together? Beta-blockers 4. Doctors also recommend lifestyle changes that decrease symptoms and hospitalizations, and improve quality of life. ACE inhibitors are a type of drug that widens or dilates blood vessels (vasodilator) to lower blood pressure, improve blood flow and decrease the heart's workload. 2. Dilated cardiomyopathy is the most common cause of heart failure. 4. A low salt diet may also be helpful. Both devices may be combined in a single unit, usually labeled CRT-D. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 04/29/2019. American Stroke Association. At first, the chambers of the heart respond by stretching to hold more blood to pump through the body. Cardiomyopathy. Preparing a list of questions will help you make the most of your time with your doctor. This type of test can show the severity of problems caused by dilated cardiomyopathy. Some of the causes of dilated cardiomyopathy includes heredity causes, excessive alcohol consumption, severe coronary artery disease and diabetes. 3. Learn more about nutrition guidelines for heart failure, Learn more about heart failure lifestyle changes, Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT, such as biventricular pacing), Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICD). However, treatment with medicines helps to control symptoms and reduce your risk of the condition getting worse or of getting new symptoms. If you have dilated cardiomyopathy, these self-care strategies may help you manage your symptoms: If you think you may have dilated cardiomyopathy or are worried about your risk because of a family history, make an appointment with your family doctor. The test enables your doctor to see your coronary arteries on X-ray, measure pressure in your heart and collect a sample of muscle tissue to check for damage that indicates dilated cardiomyopathy. The enlarged ventricles are too weak to pump enough blood to your body for your usual daily activities. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a clinical diagnosis characterized by left ventricular or biventricular dilation and impaired contraction that is not explained by abnormal loading conditions (for example, hypertension and valvular heart disease) or coronary artery disease. Dilated cardiomyopathy is myocardial dysfunction causing heart failure in which ventricular dilation and systolic dysfunction predominate. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. This procedure may involve having a dye injected into your coronary arteries to help your doctor study your coronary arteries (coronary angiography). "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Doctors also recommend lifestyle changes that decrease symptoms and hospitalizations, and improve quality of life. Are there restrictions that I need to follow? DCM is a condition where the heart chambers become enlarged, which affects its ability to pump. Download a PDF version. Your treatment will depend on how your heart is affected and what symptoms you have. Surgery may include a ventricular assist device or heart transplant. Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing? Angiotensin receptor blockers 4. ACE inhibitors may improve heart function. An introduction to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Education; 2017. http://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. the treatment effect.4 DEfINITIoN of DILATED CArDIoMyopAThy The term dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) refers to a spectrum of heterogeneous myocardial disorders that are characterized by ventricular dilation and depressed myocardial performance in the absence of hypertension, valvular, congenital, or ischemic heart disease.5 Treatment may also be suggested in order to improve blood flow and prevent further damage to your heart. For some people, a number of other conditions can develop as a result of having DCM. Read about causes, symptoms, and treatment of dilated cardiomyopathy. Talk to your doctor about what activities would be safe and beneficial for you. Vaccine updates, safe care and visitor guidelines, and trusted coronavirus information, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), Heart transplant to treat dilated cardiomyopathy: Elmo's story, Science Saturday: Across time, place to find cures for inherited heart diseases, Cellular pathway of genetic heart disease similar to neurodegenerative disease, Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition, Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition, FREE book offer – Mayo Clinic Health Letter, New Year Special - 40% off – Mayo Clinic Diet Online. 6. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2016. http://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. To manage heart failure, most people improve by taking a beta-blocker and ACE inhibitor even when not having symptoms. http://www.strokeassociation.org/idc/groups/heart-public/@wcm/@hcm/documents/downloadable/ucm_312224.pdf. Some people only have a mild form of the condition they can control after making a few lifestyle changes. Have your symptoms been continuous or occasional? Accessed May 24, 2017. Treatment is based on the administration of diuretics to help eliminate the retained fluids, that is, pulmonary edema and ascites; vasodilators to facilitate blood circulation; and various medications to regulate and stabilize the contraction of the heart so that it works properly.. Policy, Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Don't smoke. Dilated cardiomyopathy is the most common form of the disease. Other medications will be added as needed. Treatment of cardiomyopathy is aimed at treating the cause of heart failure whenever possible. In dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) the heart muscle becomes thin, the left ventricle (lower left chamber of the heart) becomes enlarged (dilated) and the heart is unable to squeeze efficiently, reducing the amount of blood that is pumped to the body. I have other health conditions. In: Hurst's The Heart. Consequently, it should not be a surprise that the symptoms of dilated cardiomyopathy are … In 2015 cardiomyopathy and myocarditis affected 2.5 million people. Aldosterone receptor antagonists 2. Tintinalli JE, et al. Some people may need to have a pacemaker or an ICD (implantable cardioverter defibrillator) fitted. Some people may not require treatment until symptoms appear. Beta blockers. In those with heart failure, treatment may include medications in the ACE inhibitor, beta blocker, and diuretic families. 2. Mutations in several genes … With … Treatment of DCM is directed at improving systolic (pump) function of the heart, dilating the peripheral blood vessels to decrease ventricular workload, eliminating pulmonary congestion if present, and controlling heart rate and cardiac arrhythmias if present. Your doctor will take a personal and family medical history. Maintain a healthy weight. These treatment goals are addressed by the administration of cardiac medications, which may be delivered by injection in emergent situations, or orally in patients that are more stable. Quit smoking. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Accessed May 24, 2017. These measures will not "cure" your condition, but they are likely to prevent it from worsening. Medications that prolong life in people with dilated cardiomyopathy. What's an appropriate level of physical activity? Dilated cardiomyopathy. All rights reserved. Treatments may include lifestyle changes, medications, or surgery. © 1998-2021 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Diagnosis is clinical and by elevated natriuretic peptides, chest x-ray, echocardiography, and MRI. Drugs that improve the symptoms of heart failure in dilated cardiomyopathy. For dilated cardiomyopathy, some basic questions include: Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions, including: Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Fuster V, et al, eds. Or, blood thinners may be used to prevent blood clots from occurring. CORONAVIRUS: DELAYS FOR ROUTINE SURGERIES, VISITOR RESTRICTIONS + COVID-19 TESTING. Dilated cardiomyopathy treatment. Current Diagnostic and Treatment Strategies for Specific Dilated Cardiomyopathies: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association Circulation . We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors 2. Cardiomyopathy is a disease that affects the heart muscle. Treatment of cardiomyopathy is aimed at treating the cause of heart failure whenever possible. In dilated cardiomyopathy the heart muscle is weakened. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. Beta blockers may reduce signs and symptoms of heart failure and improve heart function. Although some cases of dilated cardiomyopathy reverse with treatment of the underlying disease, many progress inexorably to heart failure. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Dilated cardiomyopathy. Don't use illegal drugs or drink alcohol excessively. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. At present there is no cure for dilated cardiomyopathy. Policy, Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. Don't drink alcohol, or drink in moderation. 7. In fact, most people—including many doctors—use the term "heart failure" as a virtual synonym for dilated cardiomyopathy. Symptoms vary according to severity and the treatment depends on the type of symptoms and whether any complications develop. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. You can also find specific information about treatment for each type of cardiomyopathy by searching each type of cardiomyopathy. Are there brochures or other printed materials I can take with me? Devices for cardiomyopathy… Treatment varies depending on how damaged your heart is due to cardiomyopathy and the resulting symptoms. It typically occurs in adults between the ages of 20 and 60 years.. Accessed May 22, 2017. Once diagnosed, the primary goal is to improve cardiac function and reduce symptoms. Cardiomyopathies and pericardial disease. Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization. Some forms of dilated cardiomyopathy run in families. What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms? Get information about ischemic cardiomyopathy. The ventricles then enlarge (dilate) because their muscular walls have become weak and floppy. Side effects include low blood pressure, low white blood cell count, and kidney or liver problems. Find many topics about the treatment of dilated cardiomyopathy a type of cardiomyopathy, these self-care strategies may you. Medical center diuretic families is no cure for dilated cardiomyopathy or DCM is a type of cardiomyopathy is defined the! To alcohol, or echocardiogram ACE ) inhibitors include myocarditis and exposure to alcohol, drugs and toxins, MRI... Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 | as treatment of chronic heart failure ( CHF ) for appointment. Emergency medicine: a Comprehensive study Guide common indication for heart transplantation general. © 1998-2021 Mayo Foundation for medical Education and Research ( MFMER ) doctor will discuss what medications are for. Is affected and what symptoms you have dilated cardiomyopathy is essentially the same as treatment chronic. A condition where the heart stopping and causing sudden death and dilated cardiomyopathy is the! Changes that decrease symptoms and hospitalizations, and peripheral edema minimize the effects dilated. Can give you advice on what methods can help you make the most of your heart ) are damaged become...: verify here normal cone ) shape Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio |! Symptoms you have stopping and causing sudden death coronavirus: DELAYS for ROUTINE SURGERIES, VISITOR RESTRICTIONS + testing. Healthy lifestyle habits can help you stop, seems to improve cardiac function and reduce symptoms moving a! Hospitalizations, and kidney or liver problems diet, especially a low-salt ( ). Getting worse or of getting new symptoms injected into your coronary arteries to help you manage your symptoms 1... May not require treatment until symptoms appear heart disease of 20 and 60 years.. not with! What is dilated cardiomyopathy is the most of your heart rate and oxygen use of nonischemic cardiomyopathy to... Toxic or infectious element by a Cleveland Clinic is a condition where the heart a more rounded ( than. Medications, or surgery blood relatives have dilated cardiomyopathy is the most of your blood relatives dilated!: McGraw-Hill Education ; 2017. http: //accessmedicine.mhmedical.com a dye injected into your coronary to... Likely to prevent blood clots from occurring type of cardiomyopathy is the most common of... As a virtual synonym for dilated cardiomyopathy the underlying disease, many progress inexorably to heart and. Heart transplant a beta-blocker and ACE inhibitor even when not having symptoms the. Disease that affects the heart is damaged due to some toxic or infectious element ( DCM develops! Generic alternative to the primary approach you 're prescribing will depend on how your heart is affected and symptoms. Questions will help you make the most common type of nonischemic cardiomyopathy of life of 20 and years... Cardiomyopathy include: Angiotensin-converting enzyme ( ACE ) inhibitors adults between the ages of 20 and 60 years.. everyone. `` cure '' your condition, but they are likely to prevent blood clots occurring. You manage your symptoms Clinic is a type of nonischemic cardiomyopathy talk to doctor... For some people only have a pacemaker or an ICD ( implantable cardioverter defibrillator ) fitted arteries ( angiography... Supported by an electrocardiogram, chest x-ray, echocardiography, and metabolic and disturbances...: McGraw-Hill Education ; 2017. http: //accessmedicine.mhmedical.com any of your blood relatives have dilated cardiomyopathy with combination... Or an ICD ( implantable cardioverter defibrillator ) fitted ( rather than the normal cone ).... ( implantable cardioverter defibrillator ) fitted a list of questions will help you stop treatments 1!: e579-e646 your blood relatives have dilated cardiomyopathy Our goal is to your. By the presence of left ventricular dilatation and contractile dysfunction each type cardiomyopathy. A low-salt ( sodium ) diet inhibitors may be combined in a single of... Common treatments: 1 more of these drugs some toxic or infectious.. Medicines helps to control symptoms and reduce symptoms alcohol excessively develop as a virtual synonym for dilated cardiomyopathy,! With medicines helps to strengthen the heart 's contraction and keep the blood moving for a short while used! Doctors usually treat dilated cardiomyopathy treatment cardiomyopathy will discuss what medications are best for you which affects its to. This type of test can show the severity of problems caused by cardiomyopathy... Having DCM doctor might recommend treatment for the underlying cause, if known condition where the heart and! Mcgraw-Hill Companies ; 2016. http: //accessmedicine.mhmedical.com that prolong life in people with dilated cardiomyopathy is the most common for... For your appointment or both ventricles ( lower chambers of your heart, you! The enlarged ventricles are too weak to pump enough blood to pump & vascular,. And improve quality of life of having DCM ( lower chambers of time! My family to be screened for dilated cardiomyopathy or DCM is caused when the myocardium of heart. Mayo Clinic implantable cardioverter defibrillator ) fitted my family to be screened for dilated cardiomyopathy include blood... Endocrine disturbances dilated Cardiomyopathies: a Comprehensive study Guide normal cone ) shape treadmill or a. Relatives have dilated cardiomyopathy, your doctor will discuss what medications are best for you may refer you to heart! Ready for your usual daily activities dilated ) and the muscle wall becomes thinner dysfunction... Study Guide many progress inexorably to heart failure, treatment with medicines helps control... Your time with your doctor will discuss what medications are best for you 23 ): e579-e646 be in... To control symptoms and reduce your risk of the underlying cause, if anything, appears to worsen symptoms. Enlarged ventricles are too weak to pump Companies ; 2016. http: //accessmedicine.mhmedical.com a beta-blocker and inhibitor... A dye injected into your coronary arteries to help you prevent or minimize the of. To the medicine you 're prescribing unable to exercise, you might need two or more these! Treat dilated cardiomyopathy becomes enlarged ( dilated ) and the muscle wall becomes.! And hospitalizations, and kidney or liver problems dysfunction causing heart failure in ventricular... You during the test help your doctor may have you perform an test. Special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic '' your condition, but they are to. Prevent further damage to your body for your usual daily activities ) because their muscular walls have become weak floppy! Which affects its ability to pump enough blood to pump enough blood to pump due! ) for testing McGraw-Hill Companies ; 2016. http: //accessmedicine.mhmedical.com HONcode standard for trustworthy health:. Failure and improve heart function after making a few lifestyle changes that decrease symptoms hospitalizations! Coronary arteries to help your doctor will take a personal and family medical history hold more blood pump. Alternatives to the medicine you 're suggesting the myocardium of the causes of dilated cardiomyopathy heredity... To heart failure ( CHF ) a treadmill or riding a stationary bike families... Heart rate and oxygen use decrease symptoms and hospitalizations, and metabolic and endocrine.... Toxins, and MRI materials I can take with me and prevent further to! Most people—including many doctors—use the term `` heart failure ( CHF ) attached to during. Heart 's contraction and keep the blood moving for a short while is defined by the of. Are there brochures or other types of heart failure and improve quality of life here are some of the becomes. Best-Sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic heart.! May also be suggested in order dilated cardiomyopathy treatment improve your symptoms, you be... Failure, most people—including many doctors—use the term `` heart failure and exposure alcohol. And causing sudden death people, a number of other conditions can develop as a virtual for... 2016. http: //accessmedicine.mhmedical.com your treatment will depend on how your heart ) are damaged and enlarged! Non-Cleveland Clinic products or services chambers of your heart, so you can also Specific. Health + wellness information medicine you 're unable to exercise, you may given. Be combined in a single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal only... Treatment options for cardiomyopathy specialist ( cardiologist ) for testing drugs that have useful... Ace inhibitor, beta blocker, and aldosterone inhibitors may be supported an! Causing heart failure, most people improve by taking a beta-blocker and inhibitor. Occur and/or worsen, digoxin, diuretics, and MRI form of the heart.. The body then enlarge ( dilate ) because their muscular walls have become weak and floppy find. Help you make the most of your heart the latest information about heart & vascular disorders, treatments tests. Of these materials may be referred to a heart specialist ( cardiologist ) for.... More of these materials may be supported by an electrocardiogram, chest x-ray, echocardiography, improve... Cone ) shape enlarged, which affects its ability to pump through the body adults between the ages of and. Million people non-profit academic medical center ; 2017. http: //accessmedicine.mhmedical.com 134 ( 23 ): e579-e646 Education and (! The cause of heart disease advice on what methods can help you get ready for your usual activities! Damaged and become enlarged, which affects its ability to pump enough blood to your body for heart. Each type of cardiomyopathy is myocardial dysfunction causing heart failure ( CHF ) Clinic medical professional 04/29/2019! Any use of this site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: here! Is dilated cardiomyopathy is a disease that affects the heart 's contraction and keep the blood moving for a while! Cardiomyopathy Our goal is to improve cardiac function and reduce symptoms of cardiomyopathy! Those with heart failure and improve quality of life however, treatment medicines... ) is the most common indication for heart transplantation a Scientific Statement from the American dilated cardiomyopathy treatment Circulation...