If you have dilated cardiomyopathy, you're likely to have signs and symptoms of heart failure or arrhythmias caused by your condition. Signs and symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath (dyspnea) when you're active or lying down
• Reduced ability to exercise
• Swelling (edema) in your legs, ankles and feet
• Swelling of your abdomen due to fluid buildup (ascites)
• Chest pain
• Extra or unusual sounds heard when your heart beats (heart murmurs)

Dilated cardiomyopathy

The cause of dilated cardiomyopathy often can't be determined. However, numerous factors can cause the left ventricle to dilate and weaken, including:

• Diabetes
• Obesity
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Alcohol abuse
• Certain cancer medications
• Cocaine use and abuse
• Infections, including those caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites
• Exposure to toxins, such as lead, mercury and cobalt
• Arrhythmias
• Complications of late-stage pregnancy

Dilated cardiomyopathy most commonly occurs in men, ages 20 to 50. But it can also occur in women. Other risk factors include:

• Damage to the heart muscle from a heart attack
• Family history of dilated cardiomyopathy
• Inflammation of heart muscle from immune system disorders, such as lupus
• Neuromuscular disorders, such as muscular dystrophy

Complications from dilated cardiomyopathy include:

• Heart failure. Poor blood flow from the left ventricle can lead to heart failure. Your heart might not be able to supply your body with the blood it needs to function properly.
• Heart valve regurgitation. Enlargement of the left ventricle may make it harder for your heart valves to close, causing a backward flow of blood and making your heart pump less effectively.
• Fluid buildup (edema). Fluid can build up in the lungs, abdomen, legs and feet (edema).
• Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias). Changes in your heart's structure and changes in pressure on your heart's chambers can contribute to the development of arrhythmias.
• Sudden cardiac arrest. Dilated cardiomyopathy can cause your heart to suddenly stop beating.
• Blood clots (emboli). Pooling of blood (stasis) in the left ventricle can lead to blood clots, which may enter the bloodstream, cut off the blood supply to vital organs, and cause stroke, heart attack or damage to other organs. Arrhythmias can also cause blood clots.