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Heart, section through the middle Heart, front view Dilated cardiomyopathy
Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention
Dilated cardiomyopathy
Alternative Names: Cardiomyopathy - dilated Treatment: The patient may need to stay in the hospital until 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. Text Continues Below The underlying cause should be treated. Some patients may require a biventricular 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 corrected if 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: Page:  1 | 2 | Next >>