Late-stage symptoms of dilated cardiomyopathy

Written by Liu Yong
Cardiology
Updated on September 28, 2024
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The so-called advanced stage refers to a phase where cardiac function has reached stage four. The common clinical manifestations of this stage are primarily those of heart failure, such as chest tightness and shortness of breath after activity, inability to lie flat at night, general edema, and even accumulation of fluid in the chest and abdominal cavity. Some patients with severe edema might experience abdominal distension, poor appetite, and even malnutrition, which are all manifestations of heart failure. Once cardiac function reaches stage four, patients with dilated cardiomyopathy are highly susceptible to malignant arrhythmias, such as ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. These types of arrhythmias are a common cause of death in the late stages of dilated cardiomyopathy. Therefore, proactive prevention is crucial for these patients as they have a very poor prognosis, and it is essential to maintain active communication with their families.

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Written by Li Hai Wen
Cardiology
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What should I do if dilated cardiomyopathy is causing insomnia?

Dilated cardiomyopathy causing insomnia needs to be treated based on the cause of the insomnia. First, if it is simply poor sleep quality causing occasional insomnia, no special treatment is needed. However, if insomnia occurs daily and affects quality of life, sleep-improving medications such as eszopiclone or zopiclone may be taken under a doctor's guidance. Second, if caused by worsening heart failure symptoms, which lead to nocturnal respiratory distress and affect sleep, resulting in insomnia, the treatment for heart failure should be intensified under a doctor's guidance, for instance, by increasing diuretic treatment or adjusting medications. Improving heart failure symptoms naturally enhances sleep quality. (If medication is required, please do so under the guidance of a doctor)

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Written by Li Hai Wen
Cardiology
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Clinical manifestations of dilated cardiomyopathy

The clinical manifestations of dilated cardiomyopathy can be summarized in two words: "three hearts," which are reflected in the following three aspects. First, heart enlargement, such as through chest X-rays or echocardiography, often reveals a notable enlargement of the patient's heart. Second, arrhythmias; dilated cardiomyopathy often accompanies a variety of arrhythmias, such as frequent ventricular premature beats, tachycardia, or atrial fibrillation. Third, heart failure. Dilated cardiomyopathy often results in symptoms of heart failure, such as exertional dyspnea and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea.

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Written by Li Hai Wen
Cardiology
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Do you need to take medication for a long time for dilated cardiomyopathy?

Patients with dilated cardiomyopathy need long-term or even lifelong medication because dilated cardiomyopathy is an incurable disease that requires medication to properly control the onset of heart failure symptoms. The symptoms of heart failure due to dilated cardiomyopathy can easily recur, leading to repeated hospitalizations, often related to the patient's irregular medication use or arbitrary discontinuation of medication. Therefore, patients with dilated cardiomyopathy must take medication under a doctor's guidance for long periods, such as using diuretics and medication like sustained-release metoprolol, etc. At the same time, it is important to maintain good living habits, a low-salt diet, a good emotional state, and conduct moderate exercise under stable conditions.

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Written by Li Hai Wen
Cardiology
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Can myocarditis cause dizziness?

Cardiomyopathy is a fairly common disease in our daily lives. From a medical perspective, cardiomyopathy can usually be divided into dilated cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia, and restrictive cardiomyopathy. When cardiomyopathy is present for a long time, it may cause a decline in the heart’s pumping function, leading to a reduction in cardiac output and resulting in heart failure. In such cases, due to insufficient blood supply to the brain, patients often experience symptoms of dizziness. If diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, under the guidance of a doctor, regulated medication can often significantly improve symptoms, including dizziness. (Specific medication usage should be conducted under the guidance of a doctor; do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Zhang Yue Mei
Cardiology
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What department should I register for cardiomyopathy?

Myocardial disease is a common and frequently occurring disease in clinical practice, caused by various reasons leading to pathological changes in the myocardium. Common causes include viral infections, immune system disorders, and other factors, which can lead to degeneration, necrosis, fibrosis, and interstitial edema of the myocardium. This can cause heart failure, arrhythmias, and in severe cases, even death. Therefore, early diagnosis and timely treatment can save patients' lives and alleviate their suffering. It is necessary to consult with a psychiatrist, undergo relevant examinations under the guidance of a psychiatrist, make a clear diagnosis, and actively treat and rescue the patients.