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:
- Echocardiogram
- Blood tests
- Electrocardiogram
- Holter monitor
- Heart CT or MRI scan
- Cardiac catheterization
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:
- Pacemaker
- Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD)
- Left Ventricular Assist Device
- Heart Transplant