Overview
Dilated cardiomyopathy is a common cause of heart failure in younger adults.
When to get urgent help
Call emergency services for chest pain, fainting or severe breathlessness.
Causes and risk factors
Genetic changes, viral infections, alcohol, some chemotherapy, pregnancy and unknown causes.
How it develops (pathophysiology)
Heart muscle cells are damaged or lost, so the left ventricle stretches and its wall thins. A larger, weaker chamber squeezes less effectively, and hormone systems activated to compensate further strain the heart.
Signs and symptoms
Breathlessness, tiredness, swollen ankles and palpitations.
How it is diagnosed
Echocardiogram, cardiac MRI and genetic testing.
Possible complications
Heart failure, dangerous rhythms and clots.
Medicines
Heart failure medicines such as ACE inhibitors or ARNI, beta blockers, MRAs and SGLT2 inhibitors.
Other treatments
Devices such as ICDs, and heart transplant for severe cases.
Living with it and prevention
Limit alcohol and screen family members.
Outlook
Many improve with modern treatment.
