The finding is reported in the June 1 issue of the Journal of Clinical Investigation . Dilated cardiomyopathy is an important cause of congestive heart failure , which affects more than four million Americans. Congestive heart failure is the most common cause of hospitalization for patients over the age of 65 and a leading cause of death.
Patients complain of overwhelming fatigue, shortness of breath and chest pains.
Lack of adequate circulation, in turn, can damage the lungs, liver, and other body systems. Although cardiomyopathy has been associated with many possible triggers, such as viral infections or alcohol abuse, the cause is usually unknown. Recent studies have shown that as many as 40 percent of those patients have a family history of the disorder, suggesting a genetic predisposition to the disease. Dilated cardiomyopathy, like all forms of heart failure, tends to be diagnosed late in the course of the disease and to progress rapidly. There is no cure.