​Pathology - Dilated Cardiomyopathy

​Pathology - Dilated Cardiomyopathy 
Dilated cardiomyopathy is a medical condition characterized by the enlargement and weakening of the heart muscle, leading to reduced pumping ability and potential heart failure.

The most prevalent form of cardiomyopathy, accounting for 90% of cases, can either be idiopathic or have secondary causes such as alcoholism, chronic ischemia, wet beriberi (caused by vitamin B deficiency), or postmyocarditis. Substance misuse of cocaine, harmful effects of doxorubicin, heart muscle disease during pregnancy, and genetic disorders affecting muscles
The chambers of the heart are enlarged, the muscle cells have become hypertrophic, and there is an increase in fibrous tissue between the cells. These changes lead to a decrease in the heart's ability to contract effectively, known as systolic dysfunction. 

Indications of congestive heart failure include difficulty breathing (dyspnea), difficulty breathing while lying down (orthopnea), edema in the lower extremities, and reduced ability to exercise.
Imaging: The chest X-ray reveals an enlarged heart. The echocardiography reveals enlarged chambers and reduced contractile ability.

Management of the primary condition if possible; Administration of ACE inhibitors; Utilization of beta-blockers; Prescription of diuretics; Consideration of implantation of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) if ejection fraction (EF) is less than 35%; Contemplation of transplantation for severe instances