What is the Difference Between Dilated Cardiomyopathy and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy?

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) are both types of cardiomyopathy, which refers to diseases of the heart muscle. They have distinct characteristics and present different symptoms:

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM):

Characterized by an increased left ventricular (LV) chamber size and systolic dysfunction.
The heart ventricles become thin and stretched, causing blood to not pump properly out of the heart and throughout the rest of the body.
Common causes include infection, reactions to medications, autoimmune diseases, and acquired toxic and metabolic insults.
Symptoms may include shortness of breath, fatigue, heart arrhythmias, and swelling in the legs, feet, and abdomen.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM):

Characterized by left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy with preserved systolic function and impaired relaxation.
The heart muscle becomes larger and thicker than normal, sometimes causing obstruction of blood flow from the heart.
Often genetic and inherited through family history, but can also be caused by viral infections that infect the heart.
Symptoms may include chest pain, shortness of breath from minimal physical exertion, loss of consciousness, heart arrhythmias, and swelling in the legs, feet, and abdomen.

Early diagnosis is crucial for both conditions, as it allows for more effective treatment and management of symptoms. Treatment options can range from lifestyle changes and medications to surgically-implanted devices or surgery in severe cases.

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What is the Difference Between Dilated Cardiomyopathy and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy?

Comparative Table: Dilated Cardiomyopathy vs Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) are two types of cardiomyopathies, which are diseases of the heart muscle. They can both affect the heart's ability to function properly, but they have distinct differences in their symptoms, causes, and treatments. Here is a table summarizing the differences between DCM and HCM:

Feature	Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)	Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)
Definition	DCM is characterized by an ejection fraction of less than 40% in the presence of increased left ventricular dimensions.	HCM is defined as cardiac hypertrophy that cannot be explained by pressure or volume overload.
Symptoms	DCM may cause fatigue, shortness of breath, and fluid retention, among other symptoms.	HCM typically affects the left ventricle and can make it harder for the heart to pump blood efficiently, potentially leading to obstructed blood flow and even passing out or stroke.
Pathophysiology	DCM is often associated with myocyte injury, necrosis, and myocardial fibrosis, resulting in enlarged heart chambers.	HCM is a complex familial disorder of cardiac muscle with significant heterogeneity in its expression and clinical course.
Diagnosis	Genetic testing may not be necessary for diagnosing DCM.	Genetic testing is involved in the diagnosis of HCM.
Treatment	Treatment for DCM may include medications such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, and aldosterone antagonists.	Management of HCM is similar to chronic heart failure, often involving medications and lifestyle changes.
Prevalence	DCM is more common than HCM.	HCM is less common, with a prevalence of only 0.2%.

It is essential to know the differences between these two types of cardiomyopathy to ensure that patients receive the appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Guilherme Mazui

Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.