What does "DCM" stand for?

One thing "DCM" can stand for is dilated cardiomyopath, a heart condition resulting from a weak left ventricle decreasing the amount of blood the heart can pump, says WebMD. DCM can result from use of damaging drugs, alcoholism, viral heart infections, diabetes and thyroid disease.

The severity of DCM and its symptoms vary by person. According to WebMD, side effects include chest pains, dizziness, abnormal heart rhythms, weight gain, fatigue, lower extremity swelling, heart failure, stroke-causing blood clots and sudden death. DCM can be diagnosed with just a physical exam or a blood test or with other diagnostic tests, including an echocardiogram, electrocardiogram, CT scan or MRI.