Clinical manifestations of dilated cardiomyopathy

Written by Li Hai Wen

Cardiology

Updated on September 11, 2024

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The clinical manifestations of dilated cardiomyopathy can be summarized in two words: "three hearts," which are reflected in the following three aspects.

First, heart enlargement, such as through chest X-rays or echocardiography, often reveals a notable enlargement of the patient's heart.

Second, arrhythmias; dilated cardiomyopathy often accompanies a variety of arrhythmias, such as frequent ventricular premature beats, tachycardia, or atrial fibrillation.

Third, heart failure. Dilated cardiomyopathy often results in symptoms of heart failure, such as exertional dyspnea and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea.

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Can people with cardiomyopathy eat beef?

Patients with myocarditis can eat beef, but not too much. They should consume beef in small amounts. Beef is a type of meat with very high nutritional value, and it is a major source of high-quality protein, trace elements, and minerals for the human body. Eating beef regularly can improve the body's immunity and disease resistance. For patients with myocarditis, eating beef can help accelerate the repair of myocardial tissue. However, it is advisable not to eat fatty beef but instead choose lean meat and consume it in moderation. It is also important to pay attention to dietary structure, preferably eating easily digestible, high-protein nutritional foods, and increase the intake of vegetables and fruits, which can aid in the recovery from myocarditis.

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Which department should I register for cardiomyopathy?

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How to recover from decreased physical fitness due to dilated cardiomyopathy?

Dilated cardiomyopathy is diagnosed after excluding conditions such as hyperthyroidism, hypertension, coronary heart disease, cardiac hypertrophy, or myocarditis as underlying causes. Generally, the exact cause of dilated cardiomyopathy is unknown, rendering causal treatment impossible. Once diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, it is impossible to completely cure the condition. The only approach is to manage symptoms and prevent further progression of the disease. Typically, this involves the use of beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and diuretics. If the patient has severe cardiac dysfunction, drugs like digoxin, which strengthen heart function, may be considered. If medication does not adequately control the condition, other treatments like CRT might be considered, as well as the use of phosphodiesterase inhibitors, diuretics, or intravenous cardiotonic glycosides.

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How is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy treated?

The treatment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy aims to improve symptoms, reduce complications, and prevent sudden death. The methods include improving ventricular compliance by reducing outflow tract obstruction, preventing thromboembolic events, and identifying high-risk patients for sudden death. Treatment needs to be individualized, and the main treatments include the following aspects: 1. Medication treatment. Drug treatment is fundamental, and drugs targeting outflow tract obstruction mainly include receptor blockers and non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers. For patients with congestive heart failure, targeted treatment is required. Anticoagulation treatment is necessary for patients with atrial fibrillation, and it is worth noting that for patients with chest discomfort, care should be taken to exclude outflow tract obstruction when using nitrate drugs to avoid exacerbation after use. Non-drug treatments include: 1. Surgical treatment: For patients with ineffective drug treatment and heart function class three to four, if there is severe outflow tract obstruction, septal myectomy should be considered. Currently, surgery is listed as the preferred treatment for suitable patients in consensus guidelines in both America and Europe. 2. Alcohol septal ablation; 3. Pacing therapy.