A genetic type of heart condition is familial dilated cardiomyopathy (FDC). It happens when the heart’s (cardiac) muscle weakens and thins out in at least one chamber, prompting the chamber’s open area to enlarge (dilate).
The heart is consequently unable to pump blood as successfully as usual. The cardiac muscle thins and weakens even more as a result of the heart’s attempt to compensate by pumping more blood through the heart. This disorder progresses to heart failure over time.
SYMPTOMS
Among the early symptoms and signs of familial dilated cardiomyopathy are:
Additional symptoms may include unintentional weight gain, trouble falling asleep, waking up suddenly because you feel out of breath, or you can’t sleep flat. Your appetite may also change, and your symptoms may get worse after eating.
Patients may sometimes be fully asymptomatic and have a normal tolerance for physical activity. Sudden death may sometimes be the initial sign of dilated cardiomyopathy.
DIAGNOSIS
Your doctor will do a physical examination and talk about your personal and family health histories in order to determine whether you have familial dilated cardiomyopathy (FDC).
Among the diagnostic tests are:
The following examinations are also included:
Examination of family members
Sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, and parents of a patient with familial dilated cardiomyopathy must all have an echocardiogram and an electrocardiogram done to test for the condition. All family members who carry the mutation are advised to go through a thorough clinical evaluation if genetic testing reveals a mutation.
Genetic testing in familial dilated cardiomyopathy
Experts will decide which genetic test, if any, is most suitable based on the clinical characteristics of a family’s or patient’s presentation of the condition. Genetic testing for other family members may be substantially simplified if a genetic test identifies a mutation that is likely to cause illness.
TREATMENT
Patients with familial dilated cardiomyopathy are treated with the same drugs that are used to treat heart failure and other types of dilated cardiomyopathy. Patients with dilated cardiomyopathy get individualized care based on their symptoms and clinical outcomes.
Asymptomatic patients may use beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors to slow or stop the course of their illness.
Optional further treatments:
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