| Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) |
DCM is when the heart becomes enlarged and weakened, and can't pump blood efficiently. This decreased heart function can affect the lungs, liver, and other body systems. The only approved treatment for DCM is heart transplantation and the only way to diagnose is by biopsy of heart tissue.
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DCM patients are likely to experience signs and symptoms when the disease has caused heart failure or arrhythmias, they include:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
- Reduced ability to exercise
- Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting
- Persistent cough or wheezing
- Swelling in legs, ankles, or feet
- Swelling of abdomen (ascites)
- Weight gain from fluid retention
- Lack of appetite and nausea
- Difficulty concentrating or decreased alertness
- Sensation of rapid, pounding heartbeats (palpitations)
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| Dilated Cardiomyopathy is the leading cause of heart failure in young patients. DCM accounts for 50,000 hospitalizations and 10,000 deaths each year in the U.S.
The only treatment for DCM is a heart transplantation. Once patients are on a transplant list, they are screened for CVB infections. Infected patients will be placed on lower priority lists due to their lower success rates and poorer prognosis.
As DCM progresses to reduced human capacity, the associated economic and social costs are enormous.
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