In some cases, this prevents the heart from filling with blood as it should. Over time, it can affect the other chambers.
Dilated cardiomyopathy might not cause symptoms, but for some people it can be life-threatening. The condition affects people of all ages, including infants and children, but is most common in men ages 20 to 60.
Symptoms
Many people with dilated cardiomyopathy have no symptoms. Some that do have only minor ones, and live a normal life. Others develop symptoms that may get worse as their heart gets sicker.
Symptoms of DCM can happen at any age and may include:
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath Reduced ability to exercise
- Swelling in your legs, ankles and feet or abdomen
- Weight gain
- Fainting
- Palpitations (fluttering in the chest due to abnormal heart rhythms)
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Chest pain or pressure
Causes
The cause of Dilated Cardiomyopathy often can't be determined. Dilated Cardiomyopathy can be inherited, but it’s usually caused by other things, including:
- Drug and alcohol abuse
- Thyroid disease
- Diabetes
- Viral infections of the heart
- Heart valve abnormalities
- Congenital heart defects
- Infections, including those caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites
- Certain cancer medications
- Exposure to toxins, such as lead, mercury and cobalt
- Coronary artery disease or heart attack
- High blood pressure
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