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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 *

St Mary's Heart Center
Lisa Abrahams
400 E 3rd St
SMDC Main Campus
Duluth, MN 55805
(218) 725-3443

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

Duluth Cardiology Associates
Mark R Dagostino
1001 E Superior St
STE L201
Duluth, MN 55802
(218) 249-3057

Duluth Cardiology Associates
Lee V Giorgi
1001 E Superior St
STE L201
Duluth, MN 55802
(218) 249-3057

Duluth Cardiology Associates
Herbert J Lee
1001 E Superior St
STE L201
Duluth, MN 55802
(218) 249-3057

Duluth Cardiology Associates
Laszlo S Tekler
1001 E Superior St
STE L201
Duluth, MN 55802
(218) 249-3057

Duluth, Minnesota

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Cardiomyopathy (Dilated)

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...

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.
  • ...

Emergency Contact for Duluth

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Duluth Hospitals *

Miller-Dwan Medical Center
502 E Second St
Duluth, MN 55805
(218)727-8762

St Mary's Duluth Clinic Health System
407 E Third St
Duluth, MN 55805
(218)786-4000

St Luke's Hospital
915 E 1st St
Duluth, MN 55805
(218)249-5555

St Mary's Hospital Superior
3500 Tower Ave
Superior, WI 54880
(715)395-5400

Cloquet Community Memorial Hospital
512 Skyline Blvd
Cloquet, MN 55720
(218)879-4641

Lake View Memorial Hospital
325 11th Ave
Two Harbors, MN 55616
(218)834-7300

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