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Heart, section through the middle Heart, front view Dilated cardiomyopathy
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Dilated cardiomyopathy
Alternative Names: Cardiomyopathy - dilated Symptoms: swelling of feet and ankles swelling of the abdomen pronounced neck veins loss of appetite shortness of breath, especially with activity shortness of breath which occurs after lying down for a while fatigue, weakness, faintness sensation of feeling the heart beat (palpitations) pulse may feel irregular or rapid decreased alertness or concentration cough low urine production need to urinate at night Note: Symptoms of heart failure often develop gradually. Some chest pain may also be associated with this disease. Signs and tests: Text Continues Below Cardiomyopathy is usually discovered on examination and testing for the cause of heart failure. Tapping the area with the fingers and feeling the area may indicate enlargement of the heart. Listening to the chest with a stethoscope reveals lung crackles, heart murmur, or other abnormal sounds. The liver may be enlarged. Neck veins may be distended. Heart enlargement, congestion of the lungs, decreased movement/functioning of the heart, or heart failure may show on: Echocardiogram Chest x-ray Chest CT scan Cardiac catheterization and coronary angiography Nuclear heart scan (MUGA, RNV) An ECG may show conduction disturbances or arrhythmias, and may indicate enlargement of the ventricles. Heart biopsy may be helpful to distinguish dilated cardiomyopathy from other diseases. Lab tests vary depending on the suspected cause. References: Page:  1 | 2 | Next >>