Dilated Cardiomyopathy

What is Dilated Cardiomyopathy?

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) is the most common type of Cardiomyopathy, affecting both the lower and the upper chambers of the heart. It is often a genetic condition, meaning that it is caused by a mutation in one or more genes that can be passed throughout families.

How is living with Dilated Cardiomyopathy?

Research has shown that with proper treatment,  medication adherence and follow-up, most people with Dilated Cardiomyopathy live a normal life. However, because there is a very small risk of getting a life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm, means that a small percentage of people living with the condition are a risk of sudden cardiac death. 

Your consultant cardiologist will be able to advise whether your risk is high, which may imply the implant of an ICD or if on the contrary, your risk is low and the condition can be managed with medication.

Most people diagnosed with Dilated Cardiomyopathy live a relatively normal life with the condition. However, some small changes might need to be done to experience life at its full!

 

How can RhythmiaBreath help someone with Dilated Cardiomyopathy?

Our approach to DCM is to see life as an enjoyable journey. We recommend to our patients to slow down and admire the simplest things and appreciate every moment of the day, as well as every beating of their heart.

Some of the techniques we use at RhythmiaBreath for Cardiomyopathy are:

Pulse-focus breathing exercises.

Mindfulness, Autogenic Relaxation and Visualisation.

Biofeedback: respiratory rate and pulse rate.

Movement and yoga therapy with special focus on eccentric exercises.

Virtual Reality for Heart Failure (Climbing mountains VR programme).

Guided Meditation.