Dilated cardiomyopathy is a heart disorder related to heart muscles, the problem eventually starts with the left ventricle i.e. main the pumping chamber. The ventricle then starts stretching making it difficult to pump blood like the normal heart does. Cardiomyopathy is a medical term which is use to denote the different abnormalities related to heart muscles.
Usually dilated cardiomyopathy does not show any symptom, but if not treated on time then it can even lead to death of the patient. This problem is one of the major causes of heart failure because in this situation heart fails to supply enough quantity of blood to different parts of the body. In addition, the problem also leads to formation of blood clots, irregular heartbeats and even death of the patient. The problem can occur in people of all age groups i.e., from infants to aged people, the problem is commonly seen in the people age between 20 to 50 years.
Symptoms
Some of the common symptoms of dilated cardiomyopathy are as follows:
- Chest Pain
- Swelling in different parts of the body specially in legs, feet and ankles
- Fatigue
- Breathlessness
- Swelling on the abdomen area
- Drastic decrease in the ability to exercise
- Unusual sounds of heart beats.
How Is Dilated Cardiomyopathy Treated?
People suffering from dilated cardiomyopathy are recommended a treatment on the underlying cause of the problem. However, it is possible only when the problem is known. Further, if the underlying cause is not known then treatment is performed to improve the hindered blood flow to prevent further heart damage.
Medications
Doctors prefer to prescribe a combination of medicine for successfully treating dilated cardiomyopathy. Based on the symptom experienced by the patient doctors prescribe two or more than two medicines. Drugs that are helpful for treating heart failure and/or dilated cardiomyopathy:
ACE Inhibitors: ACE i.e. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors belong to a class of drugs that will efficiently widens the blood vessels for controlling high blood pressure and also reduces workload on heart. Further, these inhibitors also improves heart functioning. There are some side effects of this medication, which includes lowering of blood pressure, cause problems related to kidney and liver, also it lowers the count of white blood cells in the body.
Beta Blockers: Beta blocker helps in lowering the rate of heart rate and also significantly reduces the blood pressure. This is not the end intake of beta blockers can also eliminate the risk of problems associated with stress hormones. These hormones can actually produce certain substances in the body that can lead to heart failure. Side effect of beta blockers includes lowering of blood pressure and dizziness.
Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers: This medication is somewhat similar to that of the Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. In simple words we can say that this drug is an alternate option for patient who is Angiotensin II receptor blockers sensitive. Side effects of this drug are: diarrhea, dizziness and muscle pain.
Digoxin: This medication is also known as digitalis; the main function of this drug is that it successfully strengthens the contraction of heart muscles. Further, it also leads to slowing the heartbeats. Digoxin helps in facilitating the heart to function efficiently.
Blood-Thinning Drug: This drug is prescribed to those patients who suffer from the problem of blood clotting. Blood thinning drug helps in thinning the blood thus preventing clotting. Some of the serious side effects of this drug is excess bleeding from body.
Before prescribing any drug or treatment to patient, doctors check the patient and diagnose the problem in detail. Also, patients are advised to inform the doctor if they are suffering from any other health issue or are taking any medication regularly. This help doctors to prescribe correct medication that will not cross react with the other medication patient is taking. Also, if the patient is pregnant or planning a baby soon should inform the same to the medical expert.
Also Read:
- Cardiomyopathy – Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment
- Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy or Broken Heart Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment
- Restrictive Cardiomyopathy: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment
- Causes of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy & Its Treatment
- Dilated Cardiomyopathy: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention, Prognosis
- What is Peripartum Cardiomyopathy: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Prognosis
- Are Cardiomyopathy And Congestive Heart Failure The Same Thing?
- What is the Life Expectancy Of A Woman Who Has Cardiomyopathy?
