Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
Dilated cardiomyopathy
AN INHERITED CARDIAC CONDITION
A heart conditions that affects the left ventricle, also known as DCM for short.
What is dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)?
Dilated cardiomyopathy is a condition where the main pumping chamber of the heart (the left ventricle) becomes weak and enlarged.
Although DCM is often genetic and so inherited from a parent, it can sometimes be caused by an infection, high blood pressure, pregnancy or alcohol use.
DCM affects the left ventricle, the heart's main pumping chamber. It leads to the heart muscle stretching (dilating) and becoming thin, weak and unable to pump normally. This can result in heart failure.
Need to know
Depending on the cause, DCM can develop and cause symptoms at any time from childhood to old age.
As your heart muscle becomes weaker and less able to pump, this can lead to fluid building up in your legs, abdomen, lungs and other parts of your body. This may indicate congestive heart failure.
Other symptoms can include:
- fatigue or tiring easily.
- palpitations
- swollen legs, ankles or abdomen
- shortness of breath.
DCM can also cause an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), heart valve problems and blood clots.
If your GP or consultant thinks you may have DCM, the most common way to confirm a diagnosis is through an echocardiogram. An echocardiogram is an ultrasound scan of your heart, which shows its structure and function in real time.
You may also have:
- a cardiac stress test to investigate how efficiently your heart is working
- an electrocardiogram (ECG) to measure the electrical activity of your heart.
Your consultant or GP will also speak to you about your lifestyle any family history of heart disease. They'll discuss your symptoms with you to determine the best approach with the help of our experienced cardiologists and electrophysiologists who specialise in heart rhythm disorders.
The outlook for patients with DCM has dramatically improved over the last 10 years. Sometimes there are specific treatments for an underlying cause. Otherwise the combination of evidence based medicines and sometimes pacemakers or ICDs usually lead to a significant improvement in patients with DCM.
HCA UK is home to some of the most advanced cardiac care facilities and a dedicated group of consultant cardiologists, cardiac physiologists, and clinical nurse specialists who are experienced in helping to manage inherited cardiac conditions, including DCM.
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.