Health's Book

Definition

Dilated cardiomyopathy is a condition in which the heart becomes weakened and enlarged, and it cannot pump blood efficiently. The decreased heart function can affect the lungs, liver, and other body systems.

There are several different types of cardiomyopathy. Dilated cardiomyopathy is the most common form.

See also:

* Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
* Ischemic cardiomyopathy
* Restrictive cardiomyopathy

Symptoms

Symptoms of heart failure are most common. Usually, they develop slowly over time. However, sometimes symptoms start very suddenly and are severe. Common symptoms are:

* Shortness of breath with activity or after lying down for a while, or in infants while feeding
* Swelling of feet and ankles (in adults)
* Irregular or rapid pulse
* Fatigue, weakness, faintness
* Swelling of the abdomen (in adults)
* Loss of appetite
* Cough

Other symptoms may include:

* Chest pain
* Decreased alertness or concentration
* Failure to thrive (in children)
* Low urine production
* Need to urinate at night (in adults)
* Shock