What Is Dilated Cardiomyopathy?

What Is Dilated Cardiomyopathy?

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is the most common type of nonischemic cardiomyopathy. In dilated cardiomyopathy, the heart's ability to pump blood is decreased because the heart's main pumping chamber, the left ventricle, is enlarged, dilated and weak. At first, the chambers of the heart respond by stretching to hold more blood to pump through the body. This helps to strengthen the heart's contraction and keep the blood moving for a short while. With time, the heart muscle walls weaken and are not able to pump as strongly. The kidneys often respond by retaining fluid (water) and sodium. If fluid builds up in the legs, ankles, feet, lungs or other organs, the body becomes congested, and congestive heart failure is the term used to describe this condition.