Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy is left-ventricular dilatation and systolic dysfunction (reduced EF) without ischemic/valvular cause, presenting with heart failure, arrhythmias, and thromboembolism. Causes: idiopathic, genetic, viral myocarditis, alcohol, pregnancy, drugs. Treatment: guideline-directed medical therapy for HFrEF (ACEi/ARB/ARNI, beta-blocker, MRA, SGLT2 inhibitor); diuretics; anticoagulation if AF/low EF; ICD/CRT for sudden-death prevention; cardiac rehab; transplant/LVAD for end-stage.

Common Symptoms

Heart failure (dyspnea/edema); arrhythmia; thromboembolism; dilated LV/reduced EF; by cause

Causes and Pathogenesis

Genetic/viral/toxic/metabolic injury causes LV dilatation and systolic dysfunction.

Treatment

GDMT for HFrEF; diuretics; anticoagulation if AF/low EF; ICD/CRT; rehab; transplant/LVAD

Preventive Measures

Avoid alcohol/cardiotoxic drugs; family screening; GDMT adherence.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Cardiology/Heart-failure department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.