Dilated Cardiomyopathy Condition - Essay Example

"Dilated Cardiomyopathy Condition" is an outstanding example of a paper on the cardiovascular system. Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a condition of the heart in which its efficiency to pump blood is reduced.  This inefficiency in the functioning of the heart is induced by either its enlargement or weakening.  While DCM refers to this specific condition, the term 'cardiomyopathies' is used to refer to a group of ailments that affect the myocardium.  A patient afflicted with DCM will suffer from dilated myocardium.  As a result of this, the right or left ventricular systolic pump function of the heart is undermined, which leads to gradual enlargement and hypertrophy of the heart.  In other words, the dilated myocardium leads to the remodeling of the structure of the heart.

Although experts in medical research have not been able to pinpoint the causes of DCM, it is believed that toxic, metabolic or infectious agents might be the chief causes.  Deterioration in the fibrous membranes of the myocardium is another possible cause.  Acute viral myocarditis and autoimmune mechanisms can also lead to DCM.  Other less well-known inducements include alcohol abuse, thyroid problems and recurrent tachycardia.  The causes identified so far can only be considered as educated speculation, for no direct proof linking these causes to the ailment has yet been found.  Similarly, genetic factors are said to play a role in an individual acquiring DCM.  But again, research in this area is still in a nascent stage.

Identifying DCM in a patient is not quite straight forward, as it can manifest itself in a variety of ways.  Intolerance to exercise, dyspnea, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, chronic fatigue, shortness of breath, etc are common symptoms.  An examination of the efficiency of the heart will indicate the level of hemodynamic dysfunction.  It is interesting to note that many people with DCM will not suffer any limitations in terms of the quality of life.  Cases of individuals with DCM going undiagnosed are well documented.  Since the symptoms are so broad-ranging and the possible medical conditions causing those symptoms to be numerous, it is not always easy to identify DCM in patients.

DCM is said to be the most frequently occurring non-ischemic cardiomyopathy.  Statistics released by the National Institute of Health reveals that men are more vulnerable to get DCM when compared to women.  Even among men, those between the ages of 20 and 60 are most prone to get this disorder.  While children have been noted to get DCM, the occurrence is quite rare.  If not treated properly, DCM can easily lead to Congestive Heart Failure (CHF).

It used to be the case that a large percentage of patients diagnosed with DCM would die within 3 years of the onset of the condition.  But with advancements in treatment options, DCM can be effectively controlled so as to prevent further heart damage.   In patients with acute DCM, even a heart transplant can be considered.  A recent invention is a technique called 'reverse remodeling', whose effectiveness is not yet ascertained.  But in cases where treatment has failed, the patient usually dies of CHF or ventricular tachy or bradyarrhythmias.  In terms of survival rates, African American patients have the least chance of resisting the progress of DCM, most probably due to genetic factors. 

Read More