Dilated cardiomyopathy

Description

A type of heart muscle disease that causes the heart chambers to thin and stretch, growing larger.

Overview

Dilated cardiomyopathy makes it harder for the heart to pump blood to the rest of the body. Often, its cause isn't clear. But causes can include diabetes, some infections and obesity. Without treatment, the condition can lead to heart failure.

Symptoms

Dilated cardiomyopathy symptoms can include extreme tiredness, shortness of breath, chest pain, less ability to exercise, and fast, fluttering or pounding heartbeats. Swelling in the legs, ankles, feet or stomach area also might happen.

Treatments

Dilated cardiomyopathy treatment can include medicines or surgery. Heart doctors can do surgery to place a medical device in the chest that controls the heartbeat or helps the heart pump blood. Some people need a heart transplant.