At first, the chambers of the heart respond by stretching to hold more blood to pump through the body. The definitive cause of canine DCM is the subject of debate, although a number of factors including nutritional, infectious, and genetic predisposition have been implicated. The latest information about heart & vascular disorders, treatments, tests and prevention from the No. Symptoms. Get information on treatment options, causes, symptoms & more from the No. 1-ranked heart program in the United States. A common cause of heart failure — the heart's inability to supply the body with enough blood — dilated cardiomyopathy can also contribute to irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias), blood clots or sudden death. Causes include viral infection of the heart muscle, excessive alcohol consumption, cocaine and the abuse of antidepressant drugs. As a result, the heart is unable to pump blood as efficiently as usual. Eat a healthy diet, especially a low-salt (sodium) diet. Dilated cardiomyopathy may cause heart failure, which results in: Shortness of breath. Dilated cardiomyopathy causes. George Michael cause of death: What is dilated cardiomyopathy and how does it affect the body? Symptoms. The main types of cardiomyopathy include dilated, hypertrophic and restrictive cardiomyopathy. Arrhythmic right ventricular dysplasia (rare) What is dilated cardiomyopathy? Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 04/29/2019. Accessed May 24, 2017. As cardiomyopathy progresses, the heart becomes weaker. Complications can include heart failure, heart valve disease, or an irregular heartbeat. In cardiomyopathy, the heart muscle becomes thick or rigid, which can weaken the heart. In addition, the causes of DCM can vary widely, from genetic causes to toxins and viral infection of the heart (myocarditis). What causes cardiomyopathy? George Michael’s cause of death has been revealed as dilated cardiomyopathy with myocarditis and fatty liver, according to the official report. Jahns R, Boivin V, Hein L, et al. Restrictive cardiomyopathy. It may also result in chest pain or fainting. Dilated cardiomyopathy can occur due to a damaged myocardium. There are many different causes of dilated cardiomyopathy, including severe and prolonged high blood pressure, iron overload, autoimmune diseases, drug abuse, chemotherapy, heart infections and end-stage kidney disease. However, numerous factors can cause the left ventricle to dilate and weaken, including: Dilated cardiomyopathy most commonly occurs in men, ages 20 to 50. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. Consequently, it should not be a surprise that the symptoms of dilated cardiomyopathy are the classic symptoms of heart failure. Cardiomyopathy is a disease in which your heart muscle weakens and has difficulty pumping blood. Frequently the disease starts in the left ventricle, the heart's main pumping chamber. Complications can include heart failure, heart valve disease, or an irregular heartbeat.. Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute (Miller Family), Find more Heart & Vascular Diseases & Conditions topics, Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia. In primary cardiomyopathy, the cause is not known, while in secondary cardiomyopathy, tests are able to show the cause. Don't use cocaine or other illegal drugs. Dilated cardiomyopathy is the most common form of the disease. Other people develop symptoms, which may progress as heart function worsens.Symptoms of dilated cardiomyopathy can occur at any age and may include: When there is no known cause, the condition is called idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. If you have dilated cardiomyopathy, you're at greater risk of heart failure, where the heart fails to pump enough blood around the body at the right pressure. Dilated cardiomyopathy is the third most common cause of heart failure and the most frequent reason for heart transplantation. Ischemic cardiomyopathy (CM) is the most common type of dilated cardiomyopathy.In Ischemic CM, the heart's ability to pump blood is decreased because the heart's main pumping chamber, the left ventricle, is enlarged, dilated and weak.This is caused by ischemia - a lack of blood supply to the heart muscle caused by coronary artery disease and heart attacks. Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle that causes the heart muscle to become enlarged, thick, or rigid. Read about its causes, risk factors, treatment, and more. Call 911 or your local emergency number if you feel chest pain that lasts more than a few minutes or have severe difficulty breathing. Your dog may have been born with a heart defect. These diseases have many causes, signs and symptoms as well as treatments. Dilated cardiomyopathy is generally considered the primary cause of idiopathic cardiomyopathy and that can occur due to many reasons as well, none of which are definite causes. In dilated cardiomyopathy, the heart's ability to pump blood is decreased because the heart's main pumping chamber, the left ventricle, is enlarged, dilated and weak. Dilated Cardiomyopathy, or enlarged heart in dogs, is a very serious condition that needs to be diagnosed by a veterinarian. Find resources to download The main causes of cardiomyopathy are: a viral infection affecting the heart; heavy alcohol consumption; a heart attack or coronary heart disease; family history of cardiomyopathy; Cardiomyopathy is sometimes called either primary or secondary. With DCM, both the upper and lower chambers of the heart become enlarged, with one side being more severely affected than the other. Shortness of breath (dyspnea) when you're active or lying down, Swelling (edema) in your legs, ankles and feet, Swelling of your abdomen due to fluid buildup (ascites), Extra or unusual sounds heard when your heart beats (heart murmurs), Infections, including those caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites, Exposure to toxins, such as lead, mercury and cobalt, Damage to the heart muscle from a heart attack, Inflammation of heart muscle from immune system disorders, such as lupus, Neuromuscular disorders, such as muscular dystrophy. In rare autosomal dominant inheritance patterns (at least two family member have idiopathic DCM), first degree relatives (parents, siblings, children) have a 50 percent chance of inheriting the condition, and may benefit from risk screening or follow-up by a physician. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. In some cases, another disease or its treatment causes cardiomyopathy. Cardiomyopathy. In most cases, cardiomyopathy causes the heart muscle to become enlarged, thick or rigid. Follow an exercise regimen recommended by your doctor. Fatigue (feeling overly tired), inability to exercise, or carry out activities as usual. If you have dilated cardiomyopathy: Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. This causes the heart to become weak and pump inefficiently. The heart muscle becomes enlarged and stretched (dilated). "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Eventually, the heart can't pump as much blood forward as it normally would. Learn more about causes, risk factors, screening and prevention, signs and symptoms, diagnoses, and treatments for cardiomyopathy, and how to … Takotsubo cardiomyopathy or Takotsubo syndrome (TTS), also known as stress cardiomyopathy, is a type of non-ischemic cardiomyopathy in which there is a sudden temporary weakening of the muscular portion of the heart. This information provided by This is referred to as compensated heart disease. In late September 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) quietly issued an update on the grain-free pet food and canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) investigation that was a far cry from – and far less publicized than – the initial FDA reports and updates back in 2018 and 2019. Symptoms vary from none to feeling tired, leg swelling, and shortness of breath. In mild cases, you may only become breathless when you exert yourself. Dilated Cardiomyopathy Causes Show. Multiple studies have recently revealed a correlation between certain dietary ingredients and the development of DCM in dogs. 8th ed. Make a donation. Although the cause of cardiomyopathy is sometimes unknown, certain diseases or conditions can lead to cardiomyopathy. It typically occurs in adults between the ages of 20 and 60 years.. These forms are known as idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy. Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare, often dilated, cardiomyopathy with systolic dysfunction that presents in late pregnancy or, more commonly, the early postpartum period. This causes fluid … However, a variety of problems can affect the myocardium adversely and lead to secondary dilated cardiomyopathy. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a condition in which the heart becomes enlarged and cannot pump blood effectively. Cardiomyopathy is a condition where your heart becomes inflamed and weakened. It affects the heart's ventricles and atria, the lower and upper chambers of the heart, respectively. Policy, Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. ARVC causes symptoms due to ventricular ectopic beats or sustained ventricular tachycardia (with LBBB morphology) and typically presents with palpitations, syncope or cardiac arrest precipitated by exercise. Don't drink alcohol, or drink in moderation. Dilated Cardiomyopathy Overview. 14th ed. Dilated cardiomyopathy — Symptoms can include: We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. … New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Education; 2017. http://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. In the early stages of disease, the cat may not show any signs of disease. This causes the heart's muscular walls to become so rigid that the heart cannot expand to fill up with all the blood that is returning from the body. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2016. http://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Dilated cardiomyopathy is the third most common cause of heart failure and the most frequent reason for heart transplantation. In many patients, DCM eventually leads to heart failure and death.. Familial dilated cardiomyopathy is a genetic form of heart disease. Read about causes, symptoms, and treatment of dilated cardiomyopathy. The kidneys often respond by retaining fluid (water) and sodium. Ischemic cardiomyopathy (IC) is a condition that occurs when the heart muscle is weakened. Dilated cardiomyopathy. Occasionally, German Shepherd Dogs and some medium-sized breeds such as Cocker Spaniels, English Springer Spaniels, and Portuguese Water Dogs are also affected. Symptoms vary from none to feeling tired, leg swelling, and shortness of breath. With time, the heart muscle walls weaken and are not able to pump as strongly. In addition, the causes of DCM can vary widely, from genetic causes to toxins and viral infection of the heart (myocarditis). In several instances, a mutational cause has been identified. Cardiomyopathy is a term used to describe diseases of the heart muscle. Accessed May 24, 2017. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Fuster V, et al, eds. Accessed May 22, 2017. Often cats will alter their activity levels to those that they … The ventricle stretches and thins (dilates) and can't pump blood as well as a healthy heart can. Heart Disease and Cardiomyopathy Cardiomyopathy , or heart muscle disease, is a type of progressive heart disease in which the heart is abnormally enlarged, thickened, and/or stiffened. Other risk factors include: Complications from dilated cardiomyopathy include: Healthy lifestyle habits can help you prevent or minimize the effects of dilated cardiomyopathy. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. The condition affects people of all ages, including infants and children, but is most common in men ages 20 to 50. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a medical condition in which the heart's ability to pump blood is lessened because its main pumping chamber, the left ventricle, is enlarged and weakened. If a blood clot breaks off, it can be carried to the lungs (, Most cases of dilated cardiomyopathy are idiopathic (an exact cause is not known), Sometimes a viral illness may be responsible, Occasionally it may be inherited (familial cardiomyopathy), Drug abuse or taking d rugs that are toxic to the heart. Dilated cardiomyopathy. This content does not have an Arabic version. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a disease of the heart muscle that is characterized by an enlarged heart that does not function properly. These include the following 1-4: A family history of cardiomyopathy, heart failure or sudden cardiac arrest. Weight gain, cough and congestion related to fluid retention. Dilated cardiomyopathy is the most common cause of heart failure in certain large breeds of dogs. Cardiomyopathy refers to diseases of the heart muscle. In dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) the heart muscle becomes thin, the left ventricle (lower left chamber of the heart) becomes enlarged (dilated) and the heart is unable to squeeze efficiently, reducing the amount of blood that is pumped to the body. Read about its causes, risk factors, treatment, and more. As cardiomyopathy worsens, the heart becomes weaker. Signs may be sudden or progressive in onset. How is cardiomyopathy treated? Circulation . http://www.strokeassociation.org/idc/groups/heart-public/@wcm/@hcm/documents/downloadable/ucm_312224.pdf. Early and proper diagnosis is key followed by treatment to give the best quality of life. Heart failure typically causes shortness of breath, extreme tiredness and ankle swelling. With DCM, both the upper and lower chambers of the heart become enlarged, with one side … Dilated cardiomyopathy causes the cardiac muscle tissue of the left ventricle to stretch and the heart’s chambers to dilate. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is the most common type of nonischemic cardiomyopathy. This helps to strengthen the heart's contraction and keep the blood moving for a short while. With more severe heart failure, you may become breathless whilst resting or lying flat. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Dilated cardiomyopathy is a progressive disease of heart muscle that is characterized by ventricular chamber enlargement and contractile dysfunction. Dilated cardiomyopathy might not cause symptoms, but for some people it can be life-threatening. For these individuals, an underlying genetic cause results in a condition that runs in a family and affects only the heart. Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization. Dilated cardiomyopathy is the most common cause of heart failure. Causes of Dilated Cardiomyopathy Advertisement Till date the actual cause of dilated cardiomyopathy is not known, but study has revealed that majority of people inherit the problem from their family members. van Spaendonck-Zwarts KY, van Tintelen JP, van Veldhuisen DJ, et al. Vaccine updates, safe care and visitor guidelines, and trusted coronavirus information, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, See our safety precautions in response to COVID-19, Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition, Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition, Heart transplant to treat dilated cardiomyopathy: Elmo's story, Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), Science Saturday: Across time, place to find cures for inherited heart diseases, Cellular pathway of genetic heart disease similar to neurodegenerative disease, FREE book offer – Mayo Clinic Health Letter, New Year Special - 40% off – Mayo Clinic Diet Online. As the disease gets worse, it may spread to the right ventricle and to the atria. Old age, injury and infection can exacerbate it. Early detection using genetic testing may benefit people with inherited forms of dilated cardiomyopathy who have no apparent signs or symptoms. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) can be inherited, but it is primarily caused by severe coronary artery disease, alcoholism, thyroid disease, diabetes, viral infections of the heart, heart valvue abnormalities, toxic drugs. In cardiomyopathy, the heart muscle becomes thick or rigid, which can weaken the heart. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. A common cause of heart failure — the heart's inability to supply the body with enough blood — dilated cardiomyopathy can also contribute to irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias), blood clots or sudden death. In others, a genetic cause has been identified. In rare instances, diseased heart muscle tissue is replaced with scar tissue. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/book/export/html/4916. It often starts in the left ventricle. About Cardiomyopathy Cardiomyopathy is a weakening of the heart muscle (myocardium), which usually causes inadequate heart pumping. Compared with a normal heart, dilated cardiomyopathy causes the chambers of the heart to enlarge, which can lead to heart failure if left untreated. Heart failure typically causes shortness of breath, extreme tiredness and ankle swelling. Cardiomyopathy refers to diseases of the heart muscle. Coronary heart disease or a heart attack. In rare instances, diseased heart muscle tissue is replaced with scar tissue. If a family member has dilated cardiomyopathy, talk to your doctor about being screened or having family members screened for the condition. If fluid builds up in the legs, ankles, feet, lungs or other organs, the body becomes congested, and congestive heart failure is the term used to describe this condition. These include Boxer Dogs, Doberman Pinschers, Great Danes, Irish Wolfhounds, and Saint Bernards. Eventually, the heart can't pump as much blood forward as it normally would. The new, proposed, definition of hypokinetic non-dilated cardiomyopathy would identify people with reduced contraction of the heart (‘systolic … Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a condition in which the heart becomes enlarged and cannot pump blood effectively. Accessed May 22, 2017. Around 20 to 50 percent of individuals with DCM have a familial form. Cardiomyopathy is a disease that causes the heart to become enlarged, thick, or stiff. The right ventricle may also be dilated and dysfunctional. ... which may progress to severe biventricular failure and dilated cardiomyopathy. Dilated cardiomyopathy is the most common form of the disease. The new, proposed, definition of hypokinetic non-dilated cardiomyopathy would identify people with reduced contraction of the heart (‘systolic dysfunction’) but without dilation of the heart muscle. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is considered the most common form of heart disease in cats and is generally a common health issue in cats. Peripartum cardiomyopathy as a part of familial dilated cardiomyopathy. Cardiomyopathy refers to diseases of the heart muscle. Connective tissue disease and other types of autoimmune disease. HCM causes thickening of the heart walls. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a myocardial disease characterised by ventricular dilatation and global myocardial dysfunction (ejection fraction < 40%). Direct evidence for a beta 1-adrenergic receptor-directed autoimmune attack as a cause of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. Signs and symptoms include: If you're short of breath or have other symptoms of dilated cardiomyopathy, see your doctor as soon as possible. Cardiomyopathy; Opened left ventricle showing thickening, dilatation, and subendocardial fibrosis noticeable as increased whiteness of the inside of the heart. Many people with dilated cardiomyopathy have no symptoms or only minor symptoms. Dilated cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle, usually starting in your heart's main pumping chamber (left ventricle). Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) can be inherited, but it is primarily caused by severe coronary artery disease, alcoholism, thyroid disease, diabetes, viral infections of the heart, heart valvue abnormalities, toxic drugs. CORONAVIRUS: DELAYS FOR ROUTINE SURGERIES, VISITOR RESTRICTIONS + COVID-19 TESTING. The term "cardiomyopathy" is a general term that refers to the abnormality of the heart muscle itself. Policy, Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. The heart problem involves the left ventricle becomes stretched, thin … It especially affects the left ventricle, making it difficult to pump blood throughout the body. © 1998-2021 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Causes of Dilated cardiomyopathy. There are a number of causes of cardiomyopathy but not everyone gets symptoms; Cardiomyopathy can be treated with medication and surgery, but one of the most important strategies in managing this condition is to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Diet and exercise play roles too. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Dilated cardiomyopathy refers to a progressive and an irreversible disease that causes global contractile or systolic dysfunction in combination with heart failure.In this type of cardiac disease, heart chambers enlarge as well as lose the contraction ability. Familial DCM is a genetic condition. Treatment — which might include medications, surgically implanted devices or, in severe cases, a heart transplant — depends on which type of cardiomyopathy you have and how serious it is. Cardiomyopathy refers to diseases of the heart muscle. Cardiomyopathies and pericardial disease. In: Tintinalli's Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Study Guide. Dilated cardiomyopathy might not cause symptoms, but for some people it can be life-threatening. The cause of dilated cardiomyopathy often can't be determined. Women after childbirth (peripartum cardiomyopathy). In rare cases it may be caused by pregnancy or connective tissue disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis. It occurs when heart (cardiac) muscle becomes thin and weakened in at least one chamber of the heart, causing the open area of the chamber to become enlarged (dilated). Read about the different types, their symptoms, and treatments. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is the most common type, occurring mostly in adults 20 to 60. There are many causes of DCM. Find out what causes it, how it’s treated, and ways to prevent it. Blood clots due to blood flowing more slowly through the body. Canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a primary disease of cardiac muscle that results in a decreased ability of the heart to generate pressure to pump blood through the vascular system. Causes. Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is when the heart chambers stretch and become thin. Treatment for an inherited condition of cardiomyopathy will depend on the patient's unique circumstances but can include simple lifestyle modifications, various medications, implantable devices, and surgery. WebMD explains the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of dilated cardiomyopathy, a condition in which the heart's ability to pump blood is decreased. What Is Ischemic cardiomyopathy? Cardiomyopathy can have many causes, signs and symptoms, and some people never have symptoms. Diet-related dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a disease that can lead to congestive heart failure in dogs. Viral infections in the heart are a major cause of cardiomyopathy. If you have dilated cardiomyopathy, you're at greater risk of heart failure, where the heart fails to pump enough blood around the body at the right pressure. In animals (primarily dogs and cats), they are classified as dilated cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, and restrictive or unclassified cardiomyopathy. Dilated cardiomyopathy is the most common form of cardiomyopathy. Idiopathic means that there is no known cause. Dilated cardiomyopathy is a leading cause for a heart transplant. Iwata M, Yoshikawa T, Baba A, et al. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Cardiomyopathy is a disease in which your heart muscle weakens and has difficulty pumping blood. 1-ranked heart program in the United States. Take notice of these early symptoms of heart problems: Coughing more than usual (during or after exercise or a few hours before bedtime) Having a hard time breathing or exercising; Tiring easily The result is that the heart does not have as much blood to pump as the body needs. It may also result in chest pain or fainting. Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is characterized by an increased heart size due to weakened pumping ability of the heart muscle. As cardiomyopathy worsens, the heart becomes weaker. In most cases, cardiomyopathy causes the heart muscle to become enlarged, thick or rigid. These diseases have many causes, signs and symptoms as well as treatments. Other risk factors include pre … Although the condition is prevalent worldwide, women with black ancestry seem to be at greatest risk, and the condition has a particularly high incidence in Nigeria and Haiti. In most cases, the exact reason for dilated cardiomyopathy is unknown and the condition is called ‘idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy’. Learn more about causes, risk factors, screening and prevention, signs and symptoms, diagnoses, and treatments for cardiomyopathy, and how to participate in clinical trials. It typically occurs in adults between the ages of 20 and 60 years.. All rights reserved. Canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a primary disease of cardiac muscle that results in a decreased ability of the heart to generate pressure to pump blood through the vascular system. Dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs happens when the heart can't properly contract, which leads to blood backing up in the heart chambers, causing the heart to enlarge. Patients usually present with symptoms of biventricular … About 1/3 of patients with idiopathic DCM have a family history, called familial dilated cardiomyopathy (ref). If you have dilated cardiomyopathy, you're likely to have signs and symptoms of heart failure or arrhythmias caused by your condition. J Clin Invest 2004; 113:1419. Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is when the heart chambers stretch and become thin. Dilated cardiomyopathy is a common cause of heart failure, which happens when the heart can't adequately supply the body with blood, according to the Mayo Clinic. Dilated cardiomyopathy. It often starts in the left ventricle. 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 |. The symptoms of cardiomyopathy vary by type. This content does not have an English version. Read about causes, symptoms, and treatment of dilated cardiomyopathy. Dilated cardiomyopathy. Some signs include rapid breathing, increased effort with breathing, restless sleeping, coughing or gagging, among others. Dilated cardiomyopathy mostly affects middle-aged men. American Stroke Association. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Learn more about dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) including the causes, the symptoms, the treatments and how will affect your life. Causes. Dilated cardiomyopathy can affect both children and adults. It usually appears after a significant stressor, either physical or emotional; when caused by the latter, the condition is sometimes called broken heart syndrome. In: Hurst's The Heart. In dilated cardiomyopathy, the heart's ability to pump blood is decreased because the heart's main pumping chamber, the left ventricle, is enlarged, dilated and weak. The right ventricle may also be dilated and dysfunctional. As the muscle stretches, it becomes weak and does not contract well. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a serious and often fatal condition in medium to larger breed dogs. In fact, most people—including many doctors—use the term "heart failure" as a virtual synonym for dilated cardiomyopathy. Dilated cardiomyopathy is a progressive disease of heart muscle that is characterized by ventricular chamber enlargement and contractile dysfunction. In cats, three classes of cardiomyopathy have been described: hypertrophic, dilated, and intermediate or restrictive cardiomyopathy. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a disease of the heart muscle that is characterized by an enlarged heart that does not function properly. In dilated cardiomyopathy, the heart muscle stretches and become thinner, so the heart hasn’t got the strength to beat properly. Learn more about what causes diet-related DCM. But it can also occur in women. As the muscle stretches, it becomes weak and does not contract well. It is often the result of gradual changes of heart structure over time. Cardiomyopathy is a disease that affects the heart muscle. That refers to diseases of the disease gets worse, it may also dilated... 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