Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Question 1

What is dilated cardiomyopathy and what causes it?

Answer 1

1. Dilated and flabby heart

2. Alcohol, BeriBeri (low B1), coxsackie, Chagas, cocaine, doxorubicin (chemotherapy)

Question 2

What is this a presentation of?

Fatigue, dyspnoea, pulmonary oedema, AF, VT. Tachycardia, hypotension, raised JVP, S3 heart beat.

Answer 2

Dilated cardiomyopathy

Question 3

How is a dilated cardiomyopathy investigated and treated?

Answer 3

1. ECG, CXR, echo, BNP

2. Bed rest, diuretics, BBs, ACEi, ICD, cardiac transplant