Cardiomyopathy (Dilated) (cont.)

Many people with dilated cardiomyopathy have no symptoms or only minor symptoms, and live a normal life. Other people develop symptoms, which may progress and worsen as heart function worsens.

Symptoms of DCM can occur at any age and may include:

• Heart failure symptoms (shortness of breath and fatigue).
• Swelling of the lower extremities.
• Fatigue (feeling overly tired).
• Weight gain.
• Fainting (caused by conditions such as irregular heart rhythms, abnormal responses of the blood vessels during exercise, or no cause may be found).
• Palpitations (fluttering in the chest due to abnormal heart rhythms).
• Dizziness or lightheadedness.
• Blood clots can form in the dilated left ventricle as a result of pooling of the blood. If a blood clot breaks off, it can lodge in an artery and disrupt blood flow to the brain, causing stroke. A clot can also block blood flow to the organs in the abdomen or legs.
• Chest pain or pressure.
• Sudden death.

© 2005-2013 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
Source article on WebMD

Source: MedicineNet.com
http://www.medicinenet.com/cardiomyopathy_dilated/article.htm