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Dilated cardiomyopathy

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Definition:

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.

See also:

• Alcoholic cardiomyopathy
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
• Ischemic cardiomyopathy
• Peripartum cardiomyopathy
• Restrictive cardiomyopathy

Alternative Names:

Cardiomyopathy - dilated

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

There are many causes of dilated cardiomyopathy. They may include nutritional deficiencies, valvular heart disease , anemia , stress , viral infections (rare), alcoholism ( alcoholic cardiomyopathy ), and coronary artery disease .

Dilated cardiomyopathy occurs in an estimated 2 out of 100 people. It can affect anyone of any age, although it is most common in adult men.

Risk factors include obesity, cocaine use, a personal or family history of cardiac disorders (such as myocarditis ), and alcoholism.

References:

Zipes DP, Libby P, Bonow RO, Braunwald E, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine , 7th ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2005: 1659-1692.

Marx J. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice . 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2002: 1142-1143.

• Review Date: 7/18/2006
• Reviewed By: Fabian Arnaldo, M.D., Department of Cardiology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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