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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Written by Li Hai Wen
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Cardiomyopathy is divided into four types.

From a medical perspective, common cardiomyopathies are mainly divided into the following four categories: First, dilated cardiomyopathy, which refers to a type of cardiomyopathy characterized by significant enlargement of the heart, thinning of the ventricular walls, and declined heart function. Second, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which refers to a type of cardiomyopathy primarily characterized by thickening of the ventricular walls. Third, arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia, a type of cardiomyopathy that is often clinically associated with episodes of ventricular arrhythmias. Fourth, restrictive cardiomyopathy, which is generally considered rare in clinical practice.

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Written by Li Hai Wen
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What should I do if dilated cardiomyopathy is causing insomnia?

Dilated cardiomyopathy causing insomnia needs to be treated based on the cause of the insomnia. First, if it is simply poor sleep quality causing occasional insomnia, no special treatment is needed. However, if insomnia occurs daily and affects quality of life, sleep-improving medications such as eszopiclone or zopiclone may be taken under a doctor's guidance. Second, if caused by worsening heart failure symptoms, which lead to nocturnal respiratory distress and affect sleep, resulting in insomnia, the treatment for heart failure should be intensified under a doctor's guidance, for instance, by increasing diuretic treatment or adjusting medications. Improving heart failure symptoms naturally enhances sleep quality. (If medication is required, please do so under the guidance of a doctor)

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Written by Li Hai Wen
Cardiology
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Can myocarditis cause dizziness?

Cardiomyopathy is a fairly common disease in our daily lives. From a medical perspective, cardiomyopathy can usually be divided into dilated cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia, and restrictive cardiomyopathy. When cardiomyopathy is present for a long time, it may cause a decline in the heart’s pumping function, leading to a reduction in cardiac output and resulting in heart failure. In such cases, due to insufficient blood supply to the brain, patients often experience symptoms of dizziness. If diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, under the guidance of a doctor, regulated medication can often significantly improve symptoms, including dizziness. (Specific medication usage should be conducted under the guidance of a doctor; do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Li Hai Wen
Cardiology
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Which department should I register for cardiomyopathy?

Cardiomyopathy is a common disease in our daily lives, characterized primarily by changes in the myocardium. After being diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, many patients often ask which department they should register with at the hospital. Generally speaking, cardiomyopathy falls under cardiovascular diseases, so registration should be with the department of cardiology. Cardiologists often prescribe a cardiac echocardiogram to diagnose myocardial diseases. Conditions such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or dilated cardiomyopathy require a cardiac echocardiogram for detection, which is the most commonly used examination for cardiomyopathy.

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Written by Liu Ying
Cardiology
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Can dilated cardiomyopathy be inherited?

We say that dilated cardiomyopathy is a type of cardiomyopathy characterized by enlargement of the left ventricle or both ventricles, accompanied by systolic dysfunction. Some cases of dilated cardiomyopathy are familial, with the main inheritance patterns being autosomal dominant, X-linked recessive, and more rarely, mitochondrial inheritance. The cause of most dilated cardiomyopathies is unclear, but potential causes include infections, non-infectious inflammation, endocrine metabolic disorders, genetics, psychological trauma, and poisoning, including alcohol poisoning. Alcoholism is a common cause of dilated cardiomyopathy in China. Clinically, dilated cardiomyopathy presents with cardiac enlargement, heart failure, arrhythmias, thromboembolism, and sudden death.