Contents
In line with its mission, the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony makes every effort to provide reliable medical content supported by the latest scientific knowledge. The additional flag “Checked Content” indicates that the article has been reviewed by or written directly by a physician. This two-step verification: a medical journalist and a doctor allows us to provide the highest quality content in line with current medical knowledge.
Our commitment in this area has been appreciated, among others, by by the Association of Journalists for Health, which awarded the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony with the honorary title of the Great Educator.
Dilated cardiomyopathy (congestive cardiomyopathy, diagonal cardiomyopathy) is a disease that involves the pathological stretching of the heart muscle fibers, which results in the thinning of the heart muscle and then widening of the heart cavity. This leads to dysfunction in the work of the heart muscle – it usually results in heart failure, causing it to pump less blood. Most often, the left ventricle is affected first, and when the functioning of both ventricles is disturbed, death is the result. The disease can affect people of any age, it is more common in men.
Dilated cardiomyopathy – causes
Dilated cardiomyopathy it may be genetic or it may be an acquired condition. It affects 5-8 people out of 100, more men than women.
Dilated cardiomyopathy it may be genetically determined – in many cases (20-50%) it is a family disease. It can also be the result of various pathogens:
- previous myocarditis,
- pregnancy (perinatal cardiomyopathy)
- HIV virus,
- toxins
- stimulants – alcohol, cocaine,
- cytostatic drugs,
- sarcoidosis,
- neuromuscular disease,
- muscle tissue atrophy,
- metabolic disease,
- overactive thyroid gland.
Dilated cardiomyopathy – symptoms
Dilated cardiomyopathy can manifest itself with the following symptoms:
- dizziness,
- fainting
- shortness of breath (both when active and at rest),
- increased sweating,
- heart arrhythmia,
- palpitations,
- atrial fibrillation
- problems with sleeping,
- thromboembolism,
- pain in the chest,
- ascites,
- easy getting tired,
Dilated cardiomyopathy – diagnosis
Treatment dilated cardiomyopathy it should be started right and set at the right time diagnosis – you should see your doctor as soon as you notice any heart problems, this is very important for people who are at increased risk of developing the disease due to its family history (genetic factors).
Diagnostics is based on the performance of echocardiography of the heart, sometimes a biopsy of the heart muscle is required.
Dilated cardiomyopathy treatment
In the treatment of dilated cardiomyopathy pharmacological measures are implemented, which are to slow down the further development of the disease and alleviate its symptoms. It is used:
- diuretics,
- antiarrhythmic drugs,
- drugs to lower blood pressure,
- agents improving the strength of contractions,
- vasodilators
- anticoagulants.
In addition, sometimes a pacemaker or a cardioverter-defibrator is implanted – it protects the patient against cardiac arrest. When the disease has severely damaged the heart, a heart transplant may be required.
Cardiomyopathy rozstrzeniowa – diet
Adequate behavior is the hallmark of therapy diet and leading a healthy lifestyle. It has a positive effect on the heart nourishment rich in wholemeal bread and pasta, fish and seafood, vegetables and fruits. In addition, adequate physical activity is important, which should be consulted with your doctor.
The content of the medTvoiLokony website is intended to improve, not replace, the contact between the Website User and their doctor. The website is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Before following the specialist knowledge, in particular medical advice, contained on our Website, you must consult a doctor. The Administrator does not bear any consequences resulting from the use of information contained on the Website. Do you need a medical consultation or an e-prescription? Go to halodoctor.pl, where you will get online help – quickly, safely and without leaving your home.