Overview
Dilated cardiomyopathy is an issue with your heart muscle stretching out and becoming larger than usual. It starts in your heart’s main pumping chamber (left ventricle). In severe cases, it affects more areas of your heart.
With increased wall stress, the tissue in your left ventricle becomes enlarged and then thins. This causes it to pump with less force than it should. After each beat, more blood remains in your heart. This makes it increasingly difficult to keep up with your body’s needs.
Researchers estimate that 36 people per 100,000 in the general population have dilated cardiomyopathy.
Fortunately, treatments are available for this heart condition. And there are things you can do to help manage this condition.
Symptoms
When to see a doctor
Complications
- High blood pressure.
- Diabetes.
- Heart failure.
- Some types of heart valve disease.
Prevention
- Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
- Don't smoke or use tobacco.
- Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
- Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Reduce and manage stress.
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