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Congestive Cardiomyopathy

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Definition

Dilated cardiomyopathy is a condition in which the heart becomes weakened and enlarged, and it cannot pump blood efficiently. The decreased heart function can affect the lungs, liver, and other body systems.

There are several different types of cardiomyopathy. Dilated cardiomyopathy is the most common form.

Symptoms

Symptoms of heart failure are most common. Usually, they develop slowly over time. However, sometimes symptoms start very suddenly and are severe. Common symptoms are:

Shortness of breath with activity or after lying down for a while, or in infants while feeding
Swelling of feet and ankles (in adults)
Irregular or rapid pulse
Fatigue, weakness, faintness
Swelling of the abdomen (in adults)
Loss of appetite
Cough

Other symptoms may include:

Chest pain
Decreased alertness or concentration
Failure to thrive (in children)
Low urine production
Need to urinate at night (in adults)
Shock

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General Weakness
Weakness is a reduction in the strength of one or more muscles. More »
ADAM

Palpitations
Palpitations are heartbeat sensations that feel like your heart is pounding or racing. You may simply have an unpleasant awareness of your own heartbeat, or may feel skipped or stopped beats. The heart's rhythm may be normal or abnormal. Palpitati... More »
ADAM

Shortness of Breath
Breathing difficulty involves a sensation of difficult or uncomfortable breathing or a feeling of not getting enough air. See also: Difficulty breathing - first aid More »
ADAM

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Health Tip: Who's at Risk for Cardiomyopathy

Mar 14, 2011 - HealthDay

Exercise preserves, builds heart muscle

Apr 02, 2011 - Reuters

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