Dilated cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy

Also called congestive cardiomyopathy; cardiomyopathy in which the walls of the heart chambers stretch, enlarging the heart ventricles so they can hold a greater volume of blood than normal.

Mentioned in: Congestive Cardiomyopathy

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dilated

a state of dilatation.

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dilated cardiomyopathy

see congestive cardiomyopathy.

dilated pupil syndrome

see feline dysautonomia (Key-Gaskell syndrome).

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dilated cardiomyopathy

Cardiology The most common cardiomyopathy in the US, which is usually idiopathic and characterized by ↑ ventricular size and impaired ventricular function Etiology Infection–eg coxsackievirus, CMV, HIV, diphtheria, trichinosis, inflammation–eg connective tissue disease, sarcoidosis, metabolic–eg hypothyroidism, thyrotoxicosis, DM, Cushing's disease, thiamine, selenium deficiency, or toxic–eg cocaine, antiretroviral agents, lead, cobalt, ethanol, phenothiazines insults; ±20% of DCs, there is a familial component Prognosis Often progresses to CHF accompanied by mitral and tricuspid valve insufficiency Complications Conduction defects–eg atrial & ventricular tachyarrhythmias and fibrillation Management Supportive–eg rest, weight control, smoking cessation, ↓ physical activity during exacerbation; therapies that may be effective include ACE inhibitors, anticoagulation, digoxin, diuretics, implantable defibillators, nitrates, potassium, magnesium repletion Investigational modalities Amiodarone, amlodipine, beta-blockers, dual-chamber pacing, felodipine, pimobendan, vesnarinone; recombinant hGH has been reported to ↑ myocardial mass and ↓ left ventricular chamber size, resulting in improved hemodynamics, myocardial energy metabolism, clinical status