Dilated cardiomyopathy

• Characterised by ventricular chamber enlargement and impaired contraction of one or both ventricles. Leads to progressive systolic dysfunction.
• Most commonly occurs in 20-60 year olds and usually presents as heart failure
• Causes:

  • Infections - parvovirus, coxsackievirus
  • Drugs
  • Post partum
  • Inherited - autosomal dominant
• Symptoms:

  • Characterised by the development of heart failure
  • SOB
  • Reduced exercise tolerance
  • Orthopnoea
  • PND
  • Peripheral oedema
  • Palpitations - development of arrhythmias
• Diagnosis:

  • Echocardiogram - evidence of dilation and impaired contraction of the left or both ventricles
• Management:

  • Mirrors that of heart failure
  • Prognostic medications - ACE inhibitors and beta blockers
  • Symptomatic - diuretics
  • Cardiac transplant
  • ICD - family history of sudden cardiac death or known arrhythmias