Which symptom is commonly associated with dilated cardiomyopathy?

The presence of an S3 gallop is commonly associated with dilated cardiomyopathy due to the impaired systolic function of the heart. In dilated cardiomyopathy, the ventricles become enlarged and weakened, which affects the heart's ability to pump blood effectively. This dysfunction often leads to an increase in blood volume within the heart's chambers, particularly during the rapid filling phase of diastole.

The S3 heart sound arises from vibrations of the ventricles as they fill with blood rapidly during early diastole. This sound can indicate volume overload and diminished ventricular compliance, which are hallmarks of heart failure, often seen in dilated cardiomyopathy. Thus, the S3 gallop serves as an important clinical sign that can help in diagnosing the condition.

In contrast, chest pain may occur in various cardiovascular conditions but is not specifically linked to dilated cardiomyopathy. Acute infarction refers to a sudden blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle, which is distinct from the chronic condition of dilated cardiomyopathy. A persistent cough can result from heart failure in some cases, especially if pulmonary congestion is present, but it is less specific and not a hallmark feature of dilated cardiomyopathy itself compared to the S3 gallop