In both Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy, cardiomyopathy typically begins in adolescence. Later, the heart muscle becomes enlarged, and the heart problems develop into a condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy.

How does muscular dystrophy affect the heart?

The heart muscles become progressively fibrotic, leading to heart arrhythmias and eventually cardiomyopathy. In Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD), nearly 40 percent of patients may be diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy where the left ventricle becomes enlarged and thin, and cannot pump blood properly, by age 30.

How does Becker muscular dystrophy affect the body?

Becker MD affects the muscles of the hips, pelvis, thighs, and shoulders, as well as the heart. Changes in the heart muscle may happen faster than in other muscles. Children who first show symptoms of Becker MD at younger ages are more likely to have heart problems than kids whose symptoms start later.

What are the most common causes of death for someone with Duchenne muscular dystrophy?

The most common cause of death is heart failure from cardiomyopathy. Some patients are found to have the genetic abnormalities of the dystrophin gene, but, clinically, have symptoms between those of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) or Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD).

Does Beckers muscular dystrophy affect the brain?

Several neuromuscular diseases can involve cognitive problems. They most commonly occur in Duchenne, Becker, congenital and myotonic muscular dystrophies, and in mitochondrial diseases. Of course, not every child with one of these disorders will have cognitive disabilities, but the risk is higher than average.

Who is most likely to get Becker muscular dystrophy?

Like Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Becker muscular dystrophy is a genetic condition that affects mostly males. Becker muscular dystrophy symptoms usually show up in a person’s teens or early adult years. Its course is slower than that of Duchenne’s and can be harder to predict.

How does Becker MD affect the body?

Becker MD affects the muscles of the hips, pelvis, thighs, and shoulders, as well as the heart. Changes in the heart muscle may happen faster than in other muscles. Children who first show symptoms of Becker MD at younger ages are more likely to have heart problems than kids whose symptoms start later.

Can Becker MD cause heart problems in children?

Both boys and girls with a Becker MD gene can have heart problems. Most children with a faulty dystrophin gene get it from the mother, who may carry the faulty gene without knowing it. In some children, the faulty gene is a new genetic change called a mutation or variation. How Is Becker Muscular Dystrophy Diagnosed?

How old do you have to be to have Becker MD?

This usually happens when kids are 10–13 years old. Walking problems are usually noticed around age 15–16. A child with Becker MD may: Becker MD affects the muscles of the hips, pelvis, thighs, and shoulders, as well as the heart.

Is there a cure for Becker MD?

There’s no cure yet for Becker MD. Treatment is a combination of: A child with Becker MD usually is cared for by a team of doctors and other experts from several pediatric specialties. What Can I Expect?