What causes dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)?
Dilated cardiomyopathy can develop for several different reasons. Dr Ravi Assomull explains common causes including genetic factors, excessive alcohol consumption, viral infections affecting the heart muscle and pregnancy-related cardiomyopathy. In many cases, however, no clear cause is identified.
Learn more about Cardiomyopathy or book a consultation with Dr Assomull – no GP referral needed, appointments typically within one working day.
Transcript
In a large proportion of cases, no cause is found. We refer to this as idiopathic DCM. In about 20% of cases, there is a clear genetic or familial cause.
Other environmental factors that may result in a diagnosis of DCM include excessive alcohol consumption, something called alcoholic cardiomyopathy. It can also affect a small number of women around the time of childbirth, something we call peripartum cardiomyopathy. Additionally, viral infections that cause inflammation of the heart muscle myocarditis can result in a dilated cardiomyopathy.
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