Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyopathy

What is idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy?

Idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDC) is a disease of the heart muscle. The heart gets bigger (dilates) and weaker and does not pump properly. The circulation of blood slows down. IDC can cause heart failure and is the most common reason people get heart transplants.

How does it occur?

Often the cause of IDC is unknown. Sometimes it is an inherited genetic problem. In other cases it may be related to infection with a virus, alcohol use, or a problem after pregnancy. An allergic response to some irritant could be another cause.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms may include:

• shortness of breath with physical activity
• waking from sleep feeling short of breath
• swelling of the legs or ankles.

How is it treated?

Treatment is directed at controlling heart failure. Drugs can be used to help your heart pump better and improve your circulation. Medicines that may be prescribed include:

• Beta blocker or calcium channel blocker to relax the heart muscle. This helps lower blood pressure and heart rate so that the heart does not have to work as hard.
• Vasodilator to open up the blood vessels and let more blood flow through. This helps lower blood pressure so the heart does not have to work as hard.
• Diuretic (water pill) to help your body get rid of the extra fluid that can build up when the heart does not pump well. It can help reduce swelling in your legs.

Your healthcare provider may suggest that you change your physical activity and the amount of salt you eat.

You may need a device called an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) to treat or prevent abnormal heart rhythms. Sometimes a pacemaker that helps coordinate the beating of the heart can help.

A heart transplant may be an option if you have severe symptoms that are not getting better with medicines.

How long will the effects last?

The chances for recovery depend on the cause. Some people get better without treatment. For the rest, the disease may get better after several months of taking medicines. Or it may get worse quickly or slowly, or it may not change for a long time.

How can I help take care of myself?

• See your healthcare provider as often as recommended. Your provider will want to see you often to make sure your medicines are working well.
• Eat a healthy diet.
• Ask your healthcare provider about exercise and follow his or her recommendations.
• Don’t smoke.

Call your provider right away if:

• You suddenly gain a lot of weight gain in just a few days.
• Your legs or ankles become swollen.
• You are getting more and more short of breath when you are physically active.
• You are getting a lot bruises or having a lot of nosebleeds and are taking a blood thinner.