Symptoms of Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Children

One of the earliest signs of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in children is the development of arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats. These abnormal rhythms often appear before other symptoms and can be an important early indicator of heart dysfunction.

Heart Failure Symptoms

As the condition progresses, children typically begin to show symptoms of heart failure. These may include exertional dyspnea (shortness of breath during physical activity), peripheral edema (swelling in the extremities), and increasing fatigue. These signs occur due to the heart's reduced ability to pump blood efficiently throughout the body.

Potential for Embolic Events

With the advancement of the disease, there is an increased risk of embolic events. Blood clots may form in the heart and travel to various parts of the body, leading to complications such as cardiac embolism, pulmonary embolism, or cerebral embolism. These events can cause serious health issues and may require immediate medical attention.

Chest Pain and Other Manifestations

In some cases, children with dilated cardiomyopathy may also experience chest pain. While this symptom is less common, it should not be ignored, as it could indicate significant cardiac stress or ischemia.

Diagnostic Procedures

To confirm a diagnosis of DCM, doctors often rely on a combination of clinical evaluation and diagnostic tests. These may include chest X-rays to assess heart size, electrocardiograms (ECG) to detect electrical abnormalities, and echocardiograms to evaluate heart function. In certain situations, a myocardial biopsy may be performed to examine heart tissue directly and rule out other potential causes.