Can dilated cardiomyopathy be inherited by children?

Dec 06, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Tian Hongbo

Introduction

Dilated cardiomyopathy has a certain degree of heritability, but genetic factors are not the only cause of this disease; therefore, dilated cardiomyopathy may not necessarily be passed on to children. Approximately 40%–60% of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy carry familial genetic mutations associated with the disease, with some cases following dominant inheritance and others recessive inheritance. Hence, dilated cardiomyopathy can potentially be inherited by offspring.

　　Dilated cardiomyopathy has a certain degree of heritability, but it is not 100% inherited—it may or may not be passed on to children.

　　1. No

　　In addition to genetic factors, dilated cardiomyopathy can also develop due to later-life viral infections or significant declines in immune function and resistance, which may damage the myocardial blood vessels and lead to the disease. Since genetic factors are not the sole cause, dilated cardiomyopathy may not necessarily be inherited by offspring.

　　2. Yes

　　Approximately 40%–60% of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy carry familial genetic mutations associated with the disease, some inherited in a dominant pattern and others in a recessive pattern. Therefore, dilated cardiomyopathy can potentially be passed on to children. The condition is more likely to be triggered when acquired viral infections lead to viral myocarditis, or when reduced immunity weakens the suppressive function of T lymphocytes. Additionally, if both parents have dilated cardiomyopathy, the likelihood of passing the disease on to their children increases significantly.

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Can the heart shrink in dilated cardiomyopathy with long-term medication?

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), commonly referred to as "enlarged heart disease," may, in some cases, lead to a reduction in heart size after long-term medication. However, this outcome is not guaranteed and does not occur in all patients. Therefore, whether prolonged drug treatment will reduce heart size in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy depends on individual circumstances. Nevertheless, regardless of the response to treatment, timely medical evaluation and intervention are essential to control disease progression.

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Late-stage manifestations of dilated cardiomyopathy with heart failure

Poor blood supply to multiple organs and body parts leads to dependent edema, causing noticeable swelling in the legs and joints. Sudden worsening of heart failure due to dilated cardiomyopathy can result in acute pulmonary congestion, leading to severe shortness of breath and orthopnea. This may also cause increased or irregular heart rate, and without timely treatment, shock may occur.

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What is dilated heart failure and how should it be managed?

In general, dilated heart failure refers to a heart condition in which the heart muscle becomes stretched and weak, impairing its ability to pump blood effectively. This disease may be caused by factors such as excessive physical strain, myocarditis, high blood pressure, coronary atherosclerotic heart disease, or acute myocardial infarction. It is recommended to consume more protein-rich foods, such as chicken, milk, and eggs.