Dilated cardiomyopathy pathophysiology is best described as?

Dilated cardiomyopathy pathophysiology is best described as?

• A. Hypertrophy due to hypertension
• B. Dilation and systolic dysfunction
• C. Valvular stenosis
• D. Ischemic coronary disease exclusively

Answer: (B)

Dilated cardiomyopathy is defined by dilation of the ventricular chambers with impaired contractile function. The weakened myocardium can’t generate normal systolic force, so the ejection fraction falls and the ventricle enlarges to try to maintain stroke volume, leading to eccentric remodeling. This combination—ventricular dilation with systolic dysfunction—drives the forward-flow weakness and elevated filling pressures seen in this condition. It’s not simply thickening from high pressure (that would be concentric hypertrophy) and it isn’t primarily a valve problem. While ischemic disease can injure the heart, the hallmark description here focuses on dilation with reduced systolic function as the defining pathophysiology.

Dilated cardiomyopathy is defined by dilation of the ventricular chambers with impaired contractile function. The weakened myocardium can’t generate normal systolic force, so the ejection fraction falls and the ventricle enlarges to try to maintain stroke volume, leading to eccentric remodeling. This combination—ventricular dilation with systolic dysfunction—drives the forward-flow weakness and elevated filling pressures seen in this condition. It’s not simply thickening from high pressure (that would be concentric hypertrophy) and it isn’t primarily a valve problem. While ischemic disease can injure the heart, the hallmark description here focuses on dilation with reduced systolic function as the defining pathophysiology.