Dilated cardiomyopathy refers to the heart being dilated and enlarged with the pump function substantially weakened. Causes of dilated cardiomyopathy are numerous. Dilated cardiomyopathy ultimately leads to symptoms such as leg swelling, shortness of breath, inability to lay flat, and generalized weakness. These symptoms represent the clinical syndrome known as heart failure which is defined as the inability of the heart to adequately supply the body with enough blood flow and oxygen to meet its needs. When the heart pump is weak, changes occur within the body that lead to fluid accumulation within the lungs and tissues that results from higher filling pressures within the heart chambers. Fluid accumulation within the legs leads to swelling, i.e., edema. When fluid accumulates in the lungs, patients experience shortness of breath with activity; if fluid content of the lungs is severe, patients will experience shortness of breath even at rest.
Dilated Cardiomyopathy