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Dilated cardiomyopathy - Overview

Alternative Names

Cardiomyopathy - dilated

Definition of Dilated cardiomyopathy:

Dilated cardiomyopathy is a condition in which the heart becomes weakened and enlarged, and cannot pump blood efficiently. The decreased heart function can affect the lungs, liver, and other body systems.

There are several different types of cardiomyopathy. Dilated cardiomyopathy is the most common form.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

There are many causes of dilated cardiomyopathy. Some of these are:

Alcoholism (alcoholic cardiomyopathy)
Anemia
Coronary artery disease
Nutritional deficiencies
Valvular heart disease
Stress
Viral infections (rare)

The most common causes of dilated cardiomyopathy in children are:

Heart (coronary) disease
Myocarditis
Some infections
Unknown cause (idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy)

This condition can affect anyone of any age, although it is most common in adult men.

Risk factors in adults include:

Alcoholism
Cocaine use
Family or personal history of cardiac disorders (such as myocarditis)
Obesity

Heart, section through the middle

Heart, front view

Reviewed last on: 9/3/2008
Larry A. Weinrauch, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Cardiovascular Disease and Clinical Outcomes Research, Watertown, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Hare JM. The dilated, restrictive, and infiltrative cardiomyopathies. Zipes DP, Libby P, Bonow RO, Braunwald E, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 64.

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