Which description best matches dilated cardiomyopathy?

Which description best matches dilated cardiomyopathy?

• A. Hypertrophied, stiff ventricles
• B. Normal-sized heart with reduced pumping
• C. Weak and enlarged with reduced pumping
• D. Dilated but hyperdynamic

Answer: (C)

Dilated cardiomyopathy is defined by dilation (enlargement) of the ventricles with systolic dysfunction, meaning the heart’s pumping ability is reduced. The best description captures both aspects: the ventricles are weak in their contraction and enlarged, producing reduced overall pumping of blood. This contrasts with hypertrophic or restrictive patterns where walls are thickened and the problem is diastolic (poor filling) rather than dilation; a normal-sized heart with reduced pumping lacks the dilation component; and dilated yet hyperdynamic would imply dilation with preserved or increased contractility, which isn’t characteristic of dilated cardiomyopathy. Clinically, this manifests as systolic heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction due to impaired ventricular contractility and chamber enlargement.

Dilated cardiomyopathy is defined by dilation (enlargement) of the ventricles with systolic dysfunction, meaning the heart’s pumping ability is reduced. The best description captures both aspects: the ventricles are weak in their contraction and enlarged, producing reduced overall pumping of blood. This contrasts with hypertrophic or restrictive patterns where walls are thickened and the problem is diastolic (poor filling) rather than dilation; a normal-sized heart with reduced pumping lacks the dilation component; and dilated yet hyperdynamic would imply dilation with preserved or increased contractility, which isn’t characteristic of dilated cardiomyopathy. Clinically, this manifests as systolic heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction due to impaired ventricular contractility and chamber enlargement.