Cardiomyopathy (Dilated) Center - Duluth, MN
Duluth Cardiologist Doctors for Cardiomyopathy (Dilated)
Type of Physician: Cardiologist
What is a Cardiologist?
A subspecialty certification by the Board of Internal Medicine; practitioners are expert in diseases of the heart, lungs and blood vessels. They consult with surgeons on heart surgery, perform diagnostic procedures, and manage complex conditions such as heart attacks and arrhythmias (abnormal heartbeat).
Specialty: Cardiology
Common Name: Heart Doctor
Cardiologist Doctors in Duluth *
 Duluth Clinic Albert J Deibele 400 E 3rd St Duluth, MN 55805 (218) 722-8364
 Duluth Clinic Nancy Hassinger 400 E 3rd St Duluth, MN 55805 (218) 722-8364
 Duluth Clinic Carl E Heltne 400 E 3rd St Duluth, MN 55805 (218) 722-8364
 Duluth Clinic Gale G Kerns 400 E 3rd St Duluth, MN 55805 (218) 722-8364
 Duluth Clinic James H Langager 400 E 3rd St Duluth, MN 55805 (218) 722-8364
 Duluth Clinic Michael J Lucca 400 E 3rd St Duluth, MN 55805 (218) 722-8364
 Duluth Clinic Michael R Rich 400 E 3rd St Duluth, MN 55805 (218) 722-8364
Cardiomyopathy (Dilated)
Read the Cardiomyopathy (Dilated) article »
What Is Dilated Cardiomyopathy?
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a condition in which the heart's ability to pump blood is decreased because the heart's main pumping chamber, the left ventricle, is enlarged and weakened; this causes a decreased ejection fraction (the amount of blood pumped out with each heart beat). In some cases, it prevents the heart from relaxing and filling with blood as it should. Over time, it can affect the other heart chambers as well.
What Are the Symptoms of DCM?
Many people with DCM have no symptoms or only minor symptoms, and live a normal life. Other people develop symptoms, which may progress and worsen as heart function worsens.
Symptoms of DCM can occur at any age and may include:
- Heart failure symptoms (shortness of breath and
fatigue).
- Swelling of the lower extremities.
- Fatigue (feeling overly tired).
- Weight gain.
- Fainting (caused by conditions such as irregular heart rhythms, abnormal responses of the blood vessels during exercise, or no cause may be found).
- Palpitations (fluttering in the chest due to abnormal heart rhythms).
- Dizziness or lightheadedness.
- Blood clots due to blood flowing more slowly through the body. If a blood clot breaks off, it can be carried to the lungs (pulmonary emboli), kidney (renal emboli), brain (cerebral emboli or stroke), or limbs (peripheral emboli).
- Chest pain or pressure (occurs usually with exercise or physical activity, but can also occur with rest or after meals).
What Causes DCM?
DCM can be inherited (familial DCM), but it is primarily caused by a variety of other factors, including:
- Severe coronary artery disease
- Alcoholism
- Thyroid disease
- Diabetes
- Viral infections of the heart
- Heart valve abnormalities/l...
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Recommended Reading Related to Cardiomyopathy (Dilated)
Palpitations »
Palpitations facts
- Palpitations can occur without heart disease or as a result of abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias).
- The SA node is the natural pacemaker of the heart.
- Slow heart rhythms are called bradycardias. Rapid heart rhythms are called tachycardias.
- The average normal heart beats at a rate of 60 to 100 times per minute.
- Some patients with arrhythmias have no symptoms while others can have symptoms, such as palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, or chest pain.
- Arrhythmias can occur because of disease of the heart muscle, valves, electrical system, or arteries to the heart (coronary arteries).
- Palpitations can be evaluated with testing, such as blood tests, echocardiogram, EKG, Holter monitor, treadmill testing, and tests of the coronary arteries.
- Palpitations can be relieved in many patients by stress reduction, quitting smoking, and reduction of caffeine and alcohol.
...
Read the Palpitations article »
Emergency Contact for Duluth
- In case of Emergency, call 911
Nearby Duluth Hospitals *
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