Dilated Cardiomyopathy In Anorexia
Weak Heart Muscle Causes Serious Damage

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is one of the effects of eating disorders known as cardiomyopathy. Dilation of the heart chambers is the body's way of trying to compensate for a weak heart muscle - (myocardium).

In people with anorexia, it's not uncommon to see weakening or shrinkage of some of the body's major muscle groups -- like the heart.

This is usually a symptom of starvation, which results in generalized muscle atrophy.

Once the heart becomes weak, it can no longer pump the same amount of blood as efficiently as it could when it was of normal strength and size.

Dilated cardiomyopathy is actually one of a group of three heart disorders that can cause disease of the heart muscle. The differences between the three depend on the cause, and what the muscle problem is. The three cardiomyopathies are:

• Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy - (HCM) - A disease where portions of the heart muscle become thickened for no obvious cause. This is one of the primary causes of sudden cardiac death among athletes. Regular screening for HCM is necessary for prevention because quite often there are very few noticeable symptoms until it's too late.


• Restrictive Cardiomyopathy - (RCM) - Is a stiffening of the heart where it is unable to expand in order to fill with adequate amounts of blood to pump throughout the body.


• Dilated Cardiomyopathy - DCM - The decreased heart function described above where the heart is enlarged, and unable to work at full capacity. This condition can can affect the lungs, liver, and other body systems.

Besides eating disorders, one of the more common causes of heart muscle disease is excessive use of alcohol, drugs or other toxic substances.

What Are The Symptoms Of Cardiomyopathy?

Generally speaking, there are not too many symptoms of cardiomyopathy. This means that most individuals can carry on with their lives without feeling severe discomfort or pain.

In some ways this can be dangerous because there is sometimes a risk of sudden death -- even if you don't even realize that you have a heart condition.

Some people may experience dizziness or fainting, chest pain, shortness of breath, or fatigue. If this occurs, it is wise to seek medical advice as soon as possible.

Diagnosis is typically done by taking careful notes about medical history. Possible tests might include: chest x-ray, echocardiogram, electrocardiogram (EKG), or exploratory surgery if necessary.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy Treatment

Dilated cardiomyopathy treatment is based on age, overall health condition, and the type of cardiomyopathy involved.

Drug therapy (including blood thinners, ACE inhibitors and water pills) is usually the first option, and can be quite effective in slowing down the progression of the disease, or even improving it.

In cases where there is an underlying cause of the disease -- such as eating disorders or alcoholism, then an attempt will probably be made to deal with those illnesses first.

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