DCM full form is Dilated Cardiomyopathy. The disease is caused when the left ventricle and the plumbing chamber of the heart are enlarged. When the chamber gets bigger its wall is made up of thick muscle stretches which makes it weaker and thinner.
As mentioned above the full form of DCM is Dilated Cardiomyopathy, which occurs when heart chambers expand and lose their ability to contract. The process usually starts when the left ventricle of the heart is enlarged. With time it also affects the right ventricle and atria which weakens the heart chamber. In this situation the heart loses its ability to pump much blood which causes the collection of fluid in the lungs and complete body this can be also referred to as cardiac failure.
Side Effects or Causes of DCM
Below mentioned are the causes of DCM
Autoimmune Diseases
Complications after or during pregnancy
Heart diseases
Diabetes
High BP
Thyroid
Viral infections
What are the Symptoms of DCM?
Mentioned below are the symptoms of Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM full form) which may develop over time.
Pain in Chest
Feeling fatigued
Fluttering feeling in the chest
Having difficulty in breathing due to fluid in the lungs
Swelling in legs, ankles, and belly
Shortness in breathing
Fainting
Cough
Unexpected weight gain
Irregular heart rate or rhythm
Tests or Diagnosis to Detect DCM
For detecting DCM the individual has to undergo the below diagnosis or test
Medical Counseling: During the counseling, the doctor will ask questions related to the medical history of the patient and family.
Blood Test: The blood test will be conducted to know the level of iron in the blood or symptoms related to diseases like thyroid or any kind of infection.
Cardiac Catheterization: The test is conducted to measure the pressure around or in the heart.
Coronary Angiography: The test captures the images of coronary arteries presented in the lungs to get a clear idea about the disease.
Echocardiogram: The test is also known as echo which uses ultrasound waves to capture pictures of the structure of the heart.
Electrocardiogram: The test is conducted to take records of electrical impulses present in the heart which helps in detecting patterns of rhythm in the heart. The test is also referred to as ECG.
Electrophysiology: During the test a thin tube is inserted through the blood vessel which goes up to the heart. The process is conducted to measure electrical activities which help in reducing sudden death risk.
Genetic Testing: The test is conducted by a genetic specialist which helps to find whether the disease is hereditary or not for accurate records they also conduct genetic testing.
Holter Monitor: It is a kind of wearable device which monitors heart electrical on a regular basis while performing daily activities.
Imaging Test: There are different imaging tests which capture heart images to identify the disease. These types of tests include CT, MRI, MUGA scanning, and nuclear heart scan.
Stress Test: The test is also known as an exercise test which helps to measure the functioning of the heart while a patient runs or walks on a treadmill.
What are the Treatments Given to Cure DCM?
There are different kinds of treatments that help in curing DCM, full form of which is Dilated Cardiomyopathy. But the treatment completely depends on the condition and symptoms in the individual. Following are the treatments provided to patients suffering from DCM.
Aldosterone Antagonists: The process helps in blocking artery tightening hormone which is also known as aldosterone.
Angiotensin converting Enzyme (ACE): During the treatment a receptor blocker is installed which reduces the workload of the heart.
Anti-arrhythmia: It is a medication method that is used to control the rate & rhythm of the heartbeat.
Beta-blockers: They are used to reduce the rate & force of heart contraction.
Blood blocker: It helps in preventing clots.
Diuretics: They are water pills that are used to prevent the building up of fluid.
Neprilysin inhibitors: The inhibitors have similar effects as ACE as they also help in reducing salt from the body which reduces symptoms.
SLG T2 inhibitors: They result in reducing the risk of death due to heart disease and diabetes.
Coronary artery bypass grafting surgery: It comes under surgery that opens blockages and improves the flow of blood.
Ventricular assist devices: The devices help in blooding pump out from the left ventricle.
Transplantation of heart: The situation comes in severe situations.
Natural Methods to Treat or Prevent DCM
By changing lifestyle an individual can reduce chances of DCM. Below mentioned are some natural or non-surgical methods that can help to prevent DCM:
Identify your unhealthy habits: The individual should avoid drinking alcohol and smoking as they may lead to DCM in later stages of life.
Take a Healthy Diet: Consuming a healthy and balanced diet that contains low sodium helps in preventing fluid building.
Regular Physical activities: Involving in regular exercise helps to improve the functioning of the heart smoothly.
Proper sleep: A minimum of 8 hours of sleep is required to keep the body healthy.
Stress management: Taking excessive stress can also lead to DCM. An individual should manage their stress by engaging in work they love to do.
What are the Other Names for DCM?
Below mentioned are other names used for Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM full form)
Alcoholic Cardiomyopathy: It is caused due to excessive intake of alcohol
Congestive Cardiomyopathy: It is a heart muscle disease or problem which results in the chambers of the heart becoming thin and getting stretched.
Diabetic Cardiomyopathy: The term can be divided into interstitial & fibrosis and is caused due to abnormal myocardial structure
Idiopathic Cardiomyopathy: It is caused due to inheritance
Ischemic Cardiomyopathy: The term refers to coronary heart disease or coronary artery disease popularly known as a heart attack.
Peripartum Cardiomyopathy: This form develops after or shortly before women give birth to newborns
Written By: Deepit Mathur
FAQs
What is the full form of DCM?
DCM’s full form is Dilated Cardiomyopathy
What is the percentage of people getting affected by DCM?
On average, every year around 2,500 people get affected by DCM. Most people from the middle age group get infected.
What are the precautions for reducing the risk of getting affected by DCM?
The individual should avoid alcohol, smoking, taking drugs, and consuming a diet having low sodium to prevent getting DCM
When should we visit a doctor?
If an individual feels shortness of breath or any other symptoms which are related to DCM, the full form of which is Dilated Cardiomyopathy, should immediately consult a doctor.
Is DCM a hereditary disease?
Yes, a person may get DCM due to hereditary factors
