Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a prevalent and heterogeneous group of disorders affecting the heart’s structure and function, of which approximately 25-30% are familial in nature. In DCM, the heart is enlarged and has reduced pumping function. When the heart does not pump properly individuals develop symptoms of heart failure including shortness of breath, swelling of the ankles and feet (edema) and fatigue. In addition, abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) may develop. Mutations in genes encoding for structural and other proteins (lamin A/C, phospholamban, dystrophin) as well as sarcomeric proteins (myosin heavy chain, cardiac troponin T, actin) have been described. The clinical expression of these inherited gene defects is variable and may encompass skeletal myopathies, neurologic abnormalities, cardiac conduction system abnormalities, and progression to end-stage heart failure. The risk of sudden cardiac death is less clearly defined as compared with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, but appears to be increased, particularly in patients with sarcomere protein mutations. Family members may be asymptomatic early in the course of disease, but identification of affected individuals is important as early treatment may improve prognosis.
View an echocardiogram of a heart with DCM.
Diagnosis, Management, and Treatment of Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)
The team at the CVGC will provide comprehensive patient care including:
Comprehensive evaluation of affected individuals (cardiac imaging,
exercise testing, surveillance for dysrhythmias)
Learn More About Dilated Cardiomyopathy
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