Dilated cardiomyopathy

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Heart, section through the middle

Heart, front view

Dilated cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy

Alternative Names:

Cardiomyopathy - dilated
Treatment:

The patient may need to stay in the hospitaluntil acute symptoms start to go away. Treatment is focused on relief of symptoms. Digitalis, vasodilators (drugs that dilate blood vessels), ACE-inhibitors, diuretics (water pills), nutritional supplements, and other medications may be prescribed to reduce symptoms.

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The underlying cause should be treated. Some patients may require abiventricular pacemaker. An implantable defibrillator may also be needed to correct any severe arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms). A biventrical pacemaker with defibrillation capabilities is available.

A low-salt diet may be prescribed, and fluid may be restricted in some cases. The patient can usually continue their regular activities, if tolerated.

Daily monitoring of body weight may be advised. Weight gain of 3 or 4 pounds or more over 1 or 2 days may indicate fluid accumulation.

Smoking and drinking alcohol may worsen the symptoms.

If the heart function remains poor, a heart transplant may be considered.

Expectations (prognosis):

The outcome varies. Some patients remain in a stable condition for long periods, some continue to get gradually sicker, and others quickly get worse.Cardiomyopathy can only be correctedif the underlying disease can be cured.

Complications:

congestive heart failure
arrhythmias
pulmonary edema
side effects of medications, including:
- low blood pressure
- lightheadedness and fainting
- lupus reaction (a group of symptoms including a skin rash and arthritis)
- headache
- gastrointestinal upset

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of cardiomyopathy.

If chest pain, palpitations, or faintness develop seek emergency medical treatment immediately.

References:

Zipes DP, Libby P, Bonow RO, Braunwald E, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine, 7th ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2005: 1659-1692.

Marx J. Rosen?s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2002: 1142-1143.