dilated cardiomyopathy


di·lat·ed car·di·o·my·op·a·thy

decreased function of the left ventricle associated with its dilation; most patients have global hypokinesia, although discrete regional wall movement abnormalities may occur; usually manifested by signs of overall cardiac failure, with congestive findings, as well as by fatigue indicative of a low output state. Synonym(s): congestive cardiomyopathy

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

Beck·er dis·ease

(bek'ĕr di-zēz') An obscure South African cardiomyopathy leading to rapidly fatal congestive heart failure and idiopathic mural endomyocardial disease.
Synonym(s): 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