How common is Dialated Cardiomyopathy?

  How common is Dialated Cardiomyopathy as a result of a virus? Is it serious
  or no big deal?  Should those of us that have it be concerned?  How often
  should one have their EF checked?  Does the EF% have anything to do with the
  person energy level?  What is the average life years expectancy of a person
  with Dialated Cardiomyopathy?  Thank you for all the info that you provide
  for us.

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

Dear Alice,

Thank you for your question. It seems that we have been getting a lot of questions about cardiomyopathy lately and you can read through those and also get information from them.  Basically cardiomyopathy is a "weakness" of the heart muscle that can be due to ischemia (lack of blood flow - the most common), viral (more common in young people),  idiopathic (unknown cause but probably viral) and several rare conditions.  It is usually diagnosed by history and an echocardiogram.  Occasionally a heart muscle biopsy is performed.  
Symptoms are shortness of breath, swelling in the legs, chest discomfort and palpitations and increased fatigue.  Treatment is usually medical and in severe cases heart transplant.  About a third of patients get worse with some going on to transplant.  Another third stay the same and are managed well with medical therapy and the rest get better.  
Q: How common is Dialated Cardiomyopathy as a result of a virus?
A:  In young people it is probably the number one cause of cardiomyopathy.  In older people it is less common.
Q: Is it serious or no big deal?
A:  It is a serious condition and should be followed carefully.
Q: Should those of us that have it be concerned?
A: Concerned in regard to taking good care of yourself and following your doctor's advice.
A: How often should one (someone with cardiomyopathy)  have their EF checked?
Q: This will vary from doctor to doctor but generally every 6 months to a year.
Q: Does the EF% have anything to do with a person's energy level?
A: Someone with a decreased EF may feel more fatigued.
Q: What is the average life years expectancy of a person with Dialated Cardiomyopathy?
A: This will vary considerably depending upon the severity of the illness.  Some people may die within months to years and others  go on to have normal lifespans.
Hope this helps.  Feel free to write back with any additional questions.
Information provided here is for general educational purposes only.  Only your doctor can provide specific diagnoses and treatments.  If you would like to be seen at the Cleveland Clinic, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE for an appointment at Desk F15 with a cardiologist.