Dilated congestive cardiomypathy is a condition in which the heart becomes enlarged and stretched out. As a result, the heart is weakened and is forced to work harder to pump blood throughout the body. Because dilated congestive cardiomypathy can cause congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, and heart disease if left untreated, it’s important to recognize the symptoms that go along with it and seek proper treatment and diagnosis.
Treatment options for dilated congestive cardiomypathy vary. It is rarely diagnosed early and there is no cure, so doctors will approach treatment in a variety of ways.
Certain lifestyle changes can help eliminate certain risks that worsen dilated congestive cardiomypathy. They include:
Diet. A diet that is high in fat and cholesterol can lead to high cholesterol and high blood pressure, two large factors in the development of chronic heart failure.
Exercise. A sedentary lifestyle can contribute to weight gain and obesity, a contributing factor in the onset of dilated congestive cardiomypathy. Excess weight causes the heart to constantly work harder than normal to pump blood throughout the body. Regular exercise can help maintain a healthy weight.
Limiting liquids. Because dilated congestive cardiomypathy can lead to edema, or excess fluid retention, many doctors will recommend the patient limit liquids.
Alcohol consumption. A high level of alcohol consumption has been linked to dilated congestive cardiomypathy as well, as certain toxins found in alcohol are linked to the disease. Aim for no more than two drinks a day as an absolute maximum.
Medication
The physician will often prescribe medication to help treat and control the symptoms of dilated congestive cardiomypathy. These drugs commonly include:
Diuretics. Also called water pills, diuretics reduce excess fluid in the body and alleviate the edema many patients with dilated congestive cardiomypathy have.
ACE inhibitors. This type of drug relaxes and opens blood vessels, helping to lower blood pressure. They also lessen the work of the heart by making it so it doesn’t have to pump as hard.
Anticoagulants. This form of drug is used to prevent the formation of blood clots, a common result of dilated congestive cardiomypathy, which can also lead to a heart attack.
Digitalis. This form of prescription helps improve the strength of the heart’s pump as well as regulate arrhythmia.
Calcium channel blockers. Calcium channel blockers help prevent the buildup of calcium deposits within the arteries, which can lead to narrowing and consequently dilated congestive cardiomypathy.
Surgery
In some of the more serious forms of dilated congestive cardiomypathy in which the heart is severely enlarged, surgery will be required. This can involve the insertion of a permanent pacemaker. A pacemaker is a small, battery powered device that works to regulate the heart beat by sending out small electrical impulses. Although it is very small (about an inch and a half in diameter), it contains the battery, the wires that send the electricity to the heart, and the pulse generator, which produces the electrical impulses. They are surgically implanted in the chest and are attached to the heart via a wire that goes through a vein in the neck.
In rare cases, sometimes a young patient with congestive cardiomypathy who is otherwise healthy will receive a heart transplant. This is done via open-heart surgery.
Dilated congestive cardiomypathy is a serious heart condition that can be treated and controlled if caught early enough. There are a number of treatment options available.