Patient/caregiver was educated that signs and symptoms of dilated cardiomyopathy can vary from mild to severe depending on the degree to which heart muscle is affected, compromised output of blood due to poor cardiac contractions, and the extent of vital organ compromise.
Patient/caregiver was educated regarding signs and symptoms of dilated cardiomyopathy as follows:
- Palpitations and arrhythmia
- Damaged heart muscle, secondary to poor blood and oxygen supply to the heart muscle, can lead to palpitations and arrhythmias.
- Patients can present with fluttering in the chest, racing or abnormally slow heartbeat, poorly felt pulse, dizziness, any episodes of loss of consciousness, chest pain and/or discomfort, and fainting.
- Dizziness and lightheadedness
- Reduced output of oxygenated blood from the heart will result in low blood pressure and result in hypotensive symptoms of dizziness and lightheadedness. Reduced blood supply to the brain can result in increased confusion and frequency of dizzy episodes, thus contributing to falls and accidents. Also, risk for arrhythmias can enhance the chances for lightheadedness and dizziness.
- Weakness and fatigue
- Reduced blood supply to the muscles can result in reduced oxygen supply to the muscle, thus leading to muscle pain, fatigue, and reduced endurance to activity.
- Diminishing renal function
- Progressively reduced blood supply to the kidneys can result in deterioration of renal function, diminished urine output, increased fluid and waste retention, and renal failure.
