3. Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Dilated cardiomyopathy is a disease that affects the heart muscle. There are two upper chambers of the heart muscle. These are called the atria. The two bottom chambers of the heart are called the ventricles. Dilated cardiomyopathy is caused by ventricular enlargement. This is the third most common cause of heart failure.
It is also the most common reason for a person to need a heart transplant. Enlargement of the ventricles can cause an increase in cardiac dysfunction, which results in heart failure. Genetic inheritance, toxins, and infections are the three most common causes of dilated cardiomyopathy.
Most commonly it will be recommended that a person with dilated cardiomyopathy will be told to limit water intake and lower the amount of sodium they consume. Controlling blood pressure is important for effectively treating dilated cardiomyopathy. In some cases, a blood thinner may be prescribed to help with blood flow.