Cardiomyopathy and heredity

Posted By Tom Dobbelaer on December 22, 1997 at 20:10:10:









I am 38 yrs old and was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy in
October 1997. My younger brother (32) was diagnosed with the same in
1993.  He also has atrial fibrilations; I had one episiode when I was 29.
Our father died at age 73 and had dcm as well.  He had many atrial fib
episodes throughout his life.  
Our cardiologists (his in NY; mine in Atlanta)say this disease is not
inhereted.  Both say we probably got this from a virus.  Has there been
much research done on dcm and heredity?  I find it strange that all 3 of us
began experiencing serious heart problems at around the same (young) age,
and while in good health.
Thank You,
Tom