What is mild dilated cardiomyopathy?

What is mild dilated cardiomyopathy?

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a condition in which the left ventricle, the heart’s main pumping chamber, is enlarged (dilated). As the chamber gets bigger, its thick muscular wall stretches, becoming thinner and weaker. This affects the heart’s ability to pump enough oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body.

What does it mean by mildly dilated?

Mildly dilated congestive cardiomyopathy (MDCM) has been defined as end-stage heart failure of unknown etiology (New York Heart Association class IV, left ventricular ejection fraction less than 30%), occurring with neither typical hemodynamic signs of restrictive myopathy nor significant ventricular dilatation (less …

Can mild dilated cardiomyopathy be reversed?

Some types of DCM are reversible. Symptoms may improve with treatment. Other types of DCM are irreversible, and the damage is permanent.

Can dilated cardiomyopathy go away?

Sometimes, dilated cardiomyopathy that comes on suddenly may go away on its own. In other instances, treatment is needed. Treatment hinges on a few factors: the type of cardiomyopathy, the severity of your symptoms and complications as well as your age and overall health.

Is dilated cardiomyopathy serious?

But dilated cardiomyopathy can become life-threatening. It’s a common cause of heart failure. Dilated cardiomyopathy is more common in men than women. Treatment of dilated cardiomyopathy may include medications or surgery to implant a medical device that controls the heartbeat or helps the heart pump blood.

Can you live with mild cardiomyopathy?

Although there is no cure for cardiomyopathy, you can manage the condition. People who receive treatment can live a high quality of life with cardiomyopathy.

Does dilated cardiomyopathy go away?

Is dilated cardiomyopathy a terminal illness?

Around half of DCM patients die within five years of a diagnosis. Symptoms of the disease include fatigue, shortness of breath and swelling in the legs and abdomen.

Is mild cardiomyopathy serious?

This means it can’t pump blood as fast as it should. If your heart muscle becomes too weak, you may develop heart failure (a serious condition that needs special treatment). Most people are only mildly affected by cardiomyopathy and can lead relatively normal lives.