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Living with Dilated cardiomyopathy 1E

An inherited heart condition linked to the SCN5A gene, with an enlarged, weakened heart and rhythm problems.

Understanding Dilated cardiomyopathy 1E

Dilated cardiomyopathy 1E (CMD1E) is a heart disease caused by a change in the SCN5A gene.

People may develop an enlarged and weakened heart, which can lead to heart failure. Symptoms can include shortness of breath, tiredness, swelling in the legs and feet, an irregular heartbeat, fainting, and chest pain.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD's summary lists these:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue
  • Swelling in the legs and feet
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Fainting episodes
  • Chest pain

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

Care & treatment

Care team
A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Can genetic testing of the SCN5A gene help my relatives?
How often should the heart be checked?
What can be done to manage heart rhythm?

Quick facts

InheritanceAutosomal Dominant

A change in the SCN5A gene causes this condition. It is autosomal dominant, so a changed copy of the gene from one parent can be enough.

Also known as: cardiomyopathy dilated with conduction defect type 2; cardiomyopathy, dilated, 1e; cardiomyopathy, dilated, type 1e; cardiomyopathy, dilated, with conduction defect 2; cardiomyopathy, dilated, with conduction disorder and arrhythmia; cdcd2

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Dilated cardiomyopathy 1EGARD ID 5644 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Dilated cardiomyopathy 1E.

Explore the Dilated cardiomyopathy 1E blog

Explore research for Dilated cardiomyopathy 1E

Explore actively recruiting Dilated cardiomyopathy 1E studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Dilated cardiomyopathy 1E with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.

  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
  • Share your city to look for research near you
  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

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