Dilated cardiomyopathy means that the heart is not pumping blood as it should be, resulting in symptoms such as fatigue and weakness, shortness of breath and swelling of the abdomen.

Cardiomyopathy is a disorder of the heart muscle. There are four main types of cardiomyopathy: * Dilated cardiomyopathy - where the heart dilates (enlarges). * Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy - where the heart muscle becomes thickened ('hypertrophied'). * Restrictive cardiomyopathy - where the heart muscle cannot relax properly between heartbeats. This is rare. * Arrhythmogenic right ventricular - a rare type which mainly affects the right side of the heart. Dilated cardiomyopathy

In this condition the heart muscle is weakened. The ventricles then dilate (enlarge) as their muscular walls are weaker and more 'floppy' than normal. Therefore, the heart does not pump blood as strongly as normal. (Note: other common heart conditions can cause a dilated heart. For example, coronary heart disease, high blood pressure and heart valve disease. These conditions can put a 'strain' on the heart which may cause the heart to dilate. With dilated cardiomyopathy, the heart dilates because of a problem or disease of the heart muscle itself.) About 2 in 10, 000 people in the UK develop dilated cardiomyopathy each year. People at any age and either sex may be affected.

Not as long as long as you would if you DIDN'T drink alcohol.

Chronic alcoholism can lead to dilated cardiomyopathy which consequently can result in congestive heart failure.

Dilated cardiomyopathy is usually treated with combination of Beta Bloockers (Coreg, Cardevilol) and blood pressure lowering medication (Enalapril). Also in order to stabilize heart rhythm Digoxin could be prescribed. In some severe cases, when patient's body is reatining water, water pill must be admistired (Furosemide, Lasics). In this case patient also needs to take Potassium pill to compensate possible potassium deficinecy. Blood work need to be performed regurally checking Potassium level in blood.

American cardiologists look scepticly at nutritional supplement CQ 10, however their Europian collegs highly valued CQ 10 as essential medicine for patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure.

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