Abstract Body

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a clinical diagnosis characterised by left ventricular or biventricular dilation and impaired contraction that isn’t explained by abnormal loading conditions (e.g., hypertension and valvular heart disease) or coronary artery disease. The heterogeneous aetiology includes both genetical and non genetical causes (such as viral infections, drugs/toxins/allergens exposure and systemic endocrine or autoimmune diseases); and clinical presentation of DCM make a correct and timely diagnosis challenging. By presenting this case report we aim to highlight the importance of primary prevention and our role as general practitioners/family doctors.

METHODS:

Review of a patient clinical record through ECAP (electronic health record)

RESULTS:

44–year-old man without personal pathological antecedents, homeless, smoker, with an alcohol daily consumption of 9 Standard Drink Units. He was attended at the emergency ward of our primary health care centre due to malaise, oedema, dyspnoea, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnoea and abdominal pain. Physical examination showed hypertension, bradypsychia, jaundice, ascites and signs of biventricular failure. EKG showed signs of left ventricular hypertrophy. He was referred to the hospital for further examination and treatment. Following supplementary exams, he was diagnosed with congestive heart failure due to enolic cardiomyopathy. After discharge he received regular check-ups both at the primary health care centre and hospital with an improvement of his condition, though later he didn’t retun.

CONCLUSIONS:

Alcohol and substance abuse is major public health issue. DCM and congestive heart failure are probable outcomes, both associated with high mortality/morbidity rates. As primary health care providers, primary prevention, early diagnosis/treatment and an holistic and longitudinal perspective are keywords for our job.