What does NIDCM mean in CARDIOLOGY

Non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy can have multiple causes including genetic mutations, viral infections, poor diet, excessive alcohol consumption and drug use, certain medications, and unknown factors.

People with a family history of cardiomyopathy are at greater risk for developing non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy. Additionally, those with hypertension and diabetes are considered more likely to develop this condition.

Symptoms for non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy include difficulty breathing (dyspnea), chest pain or tightening (angina), fatigue, dizziness or lightheadedness, palpitations or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), ankle swelling (edema), and fainting episodes.

Treatment for non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy typically includes lifestyle modifications such as avoiding alcohol and drugs, controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels, getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet low in sodium and high in fruits and veggies. Medications such as ACE inhibitors can help improve the blood flow around your heart by widening arteries that supply blood to it. Additionally some patients may require implanting pacemakers or defibrillators to regulate heartbeat rhythms or even surgery if other treatments do not work.

Complications associated with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy include heart failure which occurs when the weakened heart muscle can no longer pump enough blood to meet your body's needs; arrhythmias which cause erratic electrical signals that change how your heart beats; stroke which can occur due to pooled blood forming clots from weakened chamber walls; pulmonary edema which may result from fluid buildup in lung tissue; and sudden cardiac arrest where electrical dysfunction causes an abrupt loss in consciousness followed by death if not treated quickly.