Dilated cardiomyopathy Health Article

Complications

• Congestive heart failure
• Arrhythmias
• Pulmonary edema
• Side effects of medications, including:
  • Low blood pressure
  • Lightheadedness and fainting
  • Lupus reaction (a group of symptoms including a skin rash and arthritis)
  • Headache
  • Gastrointestinal upset

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of cardiomyopathy.

If chest pain, palpitations, or faintness develop seek emergency medical treatment immediately.

Prevention

Eat a well-balanced and nutritious diet, exercise to improve heart fitness, stop smoking, and minimize alcohol consumption.

References

Hare JM. The dilated, restrictive, and infiltrative cardiomyopathies. Zipes DP, Libby P, Bonow RO, Braunwald E, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 8th ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2007: chap 64.