Dilated Cardiomyopathy: Insights Into Its Prevalence and Clinical Implications

IntroductionDilated cardiomyopathy is a heart condition where the left ventricle enlarges and weakens, impairing blood pumping and potentially leading to heart failure, arrhythmias, and early death.This study examines its prevalence, causes, and socio-economic impacts in Mohali, Punjab, addressing a significant research gap.Aim: Analysis of demographic and clinical parameters for dilated cardiomyopathy.Materials and Methods: This hospital-based descriptive study in India involved 90 patients aged 35-70.Data collected included demographics (age, gender, employment, residence), clinical history (hypertension, diabetes, hypothyroidism), BMI, echocardiographic findings (mitral regurgitation, left ventricular dilation, ejection fraction), and ECG results (arrhythmias, other conditions).Results: A study of 90 patients aged 35-70 reveals a higher prevalence of dilated cardiomyopathy in males (26.6%) than females (21.1%).The highest prevalence is in the 55-70 age group (31.1%), with lower rates in the 45-55 (7.7%) and 35-45 (8.8%) age groups.Employment status and residence (rural: 22%, urban: 23%) do not significantly affect prevalence.Hypertension (52.2%) and diabetes (27.7%) are notable risk factors, while hypothyroidism is less associated (14.4%).Overweight individuals show the highest prevalence (31.1%), compared to normal BMI (7.7%) and obesity (8.8%).Mitral regurgitation severity, mild LV dilation, and LVEF abnormalities correlate with higher prevalence.Common ECG findings include arrhythmias (16.6%) and other conditions (15.5%).Conclusion: Dilated cardiomyopathy is more common in males, peaking at ages 55-70, with key risk factors including hypertension, overweight status, and mitral regurgitation.Diabetes, residence, and ECG findings like arrhythmias also contribute, highlighting older age, male gender, and hypertension.