Cardiomyopathy: DCM vs HCM Quiz

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)

• Characterized by a gradual enlargement of the heart chambers, often leading to heart failure years later.
• Common symptoms include shortness of breath with exertion, difficulty breathing when lying down, fatigue, and sudden shortness of breath at night.
• Other signs include weakness, swelling in the legs and feet, and fluid buildup in the abdomen.
• Heart sounds can reveal the presence of an S3 or S4 heart sound, as well as a murmur indicating a leaking valve.
• Individuals with DCM are at risk for abnormal heart rhythms which could lead to sudden death.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)

• Characterized by thickening of the heart muscle, which can restrict blood flow and lead to ischemia.
• This condition can cause chest pain, fainting, shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, and heart palpitations.
• A characteristic harsh murmur can be observed at the lower left sternal border and the heart apex, and a S4 heart sound may also be present.
• Symptoms are often triggered by physical activity due to increased oxygen demand.

Restrictive Cardiomyopathy (RCM)

• Often goes unnoticed, but when symptoms appear, they often include difficulty exercising.
• A noticeable symptom is an increased jugular venous pressure.
• Doctors may hear the presence of an S3 or S4 heart sound.
• This condition is relatively rare in children and frequently linked to genetic factors.

Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia (ARVD)

• Most commonly diagnosed before 40 years old, and it can go undetected until sudden death occurs.
• Symptoms include irregular heart rhythms, conduction disturbances, and fainting
• Diagnosis relies on imaging and special tests.

Transthyretin Amyloid Cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM)

• This condition is often hereditary and needs specialized tests, such as an MRI, biopsy, and blood tests, for diagnosis.
• Symptoms vary and can include the standard signs of heart failure.

Unclassified Cardiomyopathies

• This group contains cardiomyopathies that don't fit neatly into other categories.
• Symptoms vary and depend on the specific dysfunction within the heart.