Clinico-Epidemiological Insights and Risk Factors in Dilated Cardiomyopathy: A Study from Kumaon Region of Uttarakhand

Abstract

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a significant contributor to heart failure, characterized by ventricular dilation and reduced systolic function. This cross-sectional observational study was conducted from December 2022 to June 2023 at the Department of Medicine, Government Medical College, and Dr. Sushila Tiwari Government Hospital, Haldwani, Uttarakhand, to evaluate the clinico-epidemiological profile, risk factors, and diagnostic findings of DCM patients. A total of 102 patients with clinically diagnosed DCM were included. Comprehensive evaluations, including symptom profiling, physical examinations, baseline investigations, chest X-rays, electrocardiography, and echocardiography, were performed, and data were analyzed using SPSS version 18.0. The study population comprised 68 males (66.66%) and 34 females (33.33%) with a median age of 61 years, males presenting earlier (median 58 years) than females (median 65 years). Smoking (36.27%) and alcohol consumption (23.52%) emerged as significant risk factors, predominantly in males, while diabetes mellitus (20.58%), hypertension (17.64%), and hypothyroidism (10.78%) were notable comorbidities. Most patients were in NYHA class II (46.07%) and III (26.47%). Echocardiography revealed a median ejection fraction of 39.2%, with left ventricular end-diastolic and systolic diameters of 5.70 cm and 4.60 cm, respectively