Dilated cardiomyopathy is a condition in which the heart becomes weakened and enlarged, and 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.
There are many causes of dilated cardiomyopathy. They may include nutritional deficiencies, valvular heart disease, anemia, stress, viral infections (rare), alcoholism (alcoholic cardiomyopathy), and coronary artery disease. The most common causes of dilated cardiomyopathy in children are idiopathic, myocarditis, coronary disease, and some infections.
It can affect anyone of any age, although it is most common in adult men.
Risk factors in adults include obesity, cocaine use, a personal or family history of cardiac disorders (such as myocarditis), and alcoholism.
David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.; and Mark A Fogel, MD, FACC, FAAP, Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Radiology, Director of Cardiac MR, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
References
Hare JM. The dilated, restrictive, and infiltrative cardiomyopathies. Zipes DP, Libby P, Bonow RO, Braunwald E, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 8th ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2007: chap 64.
