Dilated Cardio Myopathy?

Question

I am 21 years old. I went to the doctor for a check up and he found that my pulse was low. He had me get an EKG and it said that my pulse was slow. He had another doctor come in and recommend that I get an X-ray. He said my heart was "prominent" and told me to get an ultrasound, which I am scheduled to get. I am worried that I might have DCM. If I do, how good are the treatments out there (if any) and how long can I expect to survive.

Answer 1

Although your doctor has not yet made a diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy, there exists a possibility that this might be the case.  There are many causes of dilated cardiomyopathy including alcohol, amyloid, there are some cases related to pregnancy, and there are some cases that are idiopathic (which means no one is sure of the cause).  There is no specific treatment to reverse the condition.  Treatment is directed at slowing or stopping the progression and improving hemodynamic function (meaning having adequate blood flow despite a weakened pump).   Survival depends on the severity of the damage, the cause, the success in slowing down progression.  There are people who can survive with medications with even a heart working at 25% ejection fraction.  

I truly hope this is not your case.  I am sure that your physician will be able to diagnose the situation and recommend appropriate treatment.  

Answer 2

You went for a routine checkup? No symptoms?  Are you an athlete?

Don't jump the gun. If you are asymptomatic, I rather doubt a cardiomyopathy. Lots of causes for a slow pulse. May just be hypothyroid. Lots of different causes for a large heart, too. They are a little more ominous.  Get the entire workup, then ask your doctor your question.  Get the entire picture before you start making funeral plans.