heart and blood vessel disorders
Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Prognosis for Dilated Cardiomyopathy
The prognosis of dilated cardiomyopathy varies considerably depending on many factors. In general, the prognosis worsens as the heart becomes more dilated and functions less well. Abnormal heart rhythms also indicate a worse prognosis. Overall, the prognosis is better for females than males, and people with African ancestry survive half as long as White people. About 40 to 50% of deaths are sudden, probably resulting from an abnormal heart rhythm or an blood clot that blocks blood flow in a critical area. Additional factors that influence the risk of death include the cause and severity of the cardiomyopathy, the person's age and ability to follow medical advice (including taking medications as directed, maintaining a low-salt diet, and attending scheduled follow-up health care appointments), and whether the person has access to specialized treatment. However, overall prognosis has improved with the introduction of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators, cardiac resynchronization therapy, and other interventions. 