Cardiomyopathy - dilated; Congestive cardiomyopathy

Hospitalization may be required when symptoms are severe. Treatment is essentially the same as that for heart failure. A low-salt diet may be recommended. Advice to stop smoking and stop drinking alcohol may be given, because these habits may make the symptoms worse.

Daily weighing may be recommended. A weight gain of 3 or 4 pounds or more over 1 or 2 days may indicate fluid accumulation. Activity may be restricted as symptoms progress; other patients may need to initiate an exercise program.

Medications for dilated cardiomyopathy may include diuretics, ACE-inhibitors, digitalis, angiotensin II receptor blockers, inotropes, anticoagulants, antiarrhythmics, and beta-blockers.

Some patients may be offered surgical procedures such as the ventricular assist device (VAD), cardiomyoplasty, mitral or tricuspid valve repair, or partial left ventriculectomy. A heart transplant may be considered if heart function is very poor.

• cardiac arrhythmias, including lethal arrhythmias
• pulmonary (lung) edema
• total failure of the heart to function (circulatory collapse or shock)
• side effects of medications, including:
  • low blood pressure (hypotension)
  • light-headedness, fainting
  • gastrointestinal (GI) upset
  • digitalis toxicity

Call your health care provider if symptoms indicate cardiomyopathy may be present.

Call your health care provider or go to the emergency room if chest pain, palpitations, faintness, or other new or unexplained symptoms develop.