Question 1

what is dilated cardiomyopathy?

Accepted Answer

Weak enlarged heart: Dilated cardiomyopathy is a condition where the heart is not pumping normally and is enlarged. There are many causes including inherited conditions, infections and coronary artery abnormalities.

Question 2

is dilated cardiomyopathy reversible?

Accepted Answer

It depends: Strictly speaking, "dilated" cardiomyopathy is less likely to reverse.  In other words, if the ventricle has already dilated, it is less likely that it will go back to normal, although it is still possible.  The non-dilated weak heart (cardiomyopathy but not dilated) can and is more likely to go back to normal function with good medicine and proper care.

Question 3

can dilated cardiomyopathy be treated?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Any potential causes should be addressed. There are several medications that, in combination, may greatly improve symptoms and slow progression of disease. Lifestyle modifications are appropriate such as tobacco and alcohol abstinence, weight management. In severe cases, there are several surgical options from special pacemakers and defibrillators to heart assist devices to transplantation.

Question 4

who discovered dilated cardiomyopathy?

Accepted Answer

Dilated cardiomyopat: Answering this question is difficult. Dilated cardiomyopathy is a general term. The general condition has likely been present through much if not all of homo sapiens existence. Who first recognized that dilated hearts with congestive failure existed is relatively impossible to pinpoint.

Question 5

how dangerous is dilated cardiomyopathy?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Dilated cardiomyopathy (dcm) prognosis depends on many things. The degree of dysfunction affects the prognosis. The degree of symptoms affects the prognosis; additionally the cause affects the prognosis as well. If the cause can be reversed by revascularization, if it is a viral etiology or a type from which recovery is possible (valve replacement, cessation of alcohol) the prognosis may by better.

Question 6

how can you treat dilated cardiomyopathy?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Meds such as acei, b-blockers, water pills, digoxin.Devices such as aicd bi-ventricular pacemakers and left ventricular assist devices. Some pts are transplant candidates. Salt restriction , abstinence from alcohol, aerobic exercize, .

Question 7

can you reverse a dilated cardiomyopathy?

Accepted Answer

There are treatments: Some kinds of dilated cardiomyopathy improve with time, such as those caused by alcohol abuse, which may improve with abstinence. In other cases the standard medications for heart failure do not cure, but can improve heart function and devices like an aicd help control arrythmias.

Question 8

what are the symptoms of dilated cardiomyopathy?

Accepted Answer

Shortness : Of breath, decreased exercise tolerance, peripheral edema. Pulmonary edema.

Question 9

what kind of condition is dilated cardiomyopathy?

Accepted Answer

Weak heart: This literally means 'weak heart muscle'. The most common cause is heart attack(s). When the heart muscle is damaged it becomes weak and the heart can dilate (become bigger). There are several other causes which can happen at any age. For example some viruses can attack the heart and weaken it and alcoholism is another known cause.

Question 10

how commonly does a dilated cardiomyopathy occur?

Accepted Answer

8 per 100,000: There are approximately 8 cases per 100, 000 people.  Roughly 20% of dilated cardiomyopathy are familial.

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