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Heart Failure - Dilated Cardiomyopathy

By Richard N. Fogoros, M.D., About.com

Updated: December 27, 2007

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Dilated cardiomyopathy is the most common form of heart failure. Cardiomyopathy simply means heart muscle disease. In dilated cardiomyopathy (often referred to as congestive cardiomyopathy or congestive heart failure), the heart muscle becomes damaged for some reason (see causes article below), leading to a generalized weakening of the muscular walls of the cardiac chambers. To compensate for this weakening, the cardiac chambers dilate. (The dilation of the cardiac chambers, especially of the left ventricle, is often referred to as "remodeling.") The dilation and weakening of the heart muscle eventually leads to heart failure.

Check the Following Links to Learn About Dilated Cardiomyopathy

The Causes of Dilated Cardiomyopathy

The Symptoms and Diagnosis of Dilated Cardiomyopathy

The Treatment of Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Explore Heart Disease

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