heart and blood vessel disorders
Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Treatment of Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Medications Sometimes, device therapy with a defibrillator and/or pacemaker If possible, doctors treat the disorder that is causing the dilated cardiomyopathy. For example, medications that suppress the immune system (immunosuppressants) such as corticosteroids may be used to treat a systemic rheumatic disorder that caused dilated cardiomyopathy. General treatment measures include avoiding stress, limiting salt in the diet, and having periods of rest, which help reduce strain on the heart, particularly when the cardiomyopathy is acute or severe. Drug Treatment for Heart Failure , such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, Diuretics (medications that increase urination) are used to reduce excess fluid in the lungs and decrease symptoms of swelling due to fluid retention, but they do not prolong life. Digoxinmay help the heart's pumping and decrease the number of hospitalizations for heart failure, but it does not prolong life. Antiarrhythmic medications may be given to treat abnormal heart rhythms. Most of these medications are initially prescribed in low doses. Doses are increased in small increments because if the dose is too large, an antiarrhythmic medication may worsen heart rhythm abnormalities or depress pumping function. Medications to prevent blood clots, such aswarfarinoraspirin, may be used, particularly when ventricles are very dilated and contracting poorly. Special precautions are needed when medications are given to women with peripartum cardiomyopathy because some of the medications usually used to treat cardiomyopathy may be absorbed into breast milk and harm nursing infants. Some people have an abnormality of the electrical conduction in the heart, which can be helped by an Artificial Pacemakers that stimulates first the atria and then both ventricles (cardiac resynchronization therapy). This type of pacemaker, when used in the right person, will help to return the contraction pattern of the heart toward normal and improve its function. Doctors may also consider an implantable Cardioversion-Defibrillation in people who have persistently poor heart function and an increased risk of arrhythmias leading to sudden death. Heart failure in dilated cardiomyopathy can be progressive and ultimately fatal. Because of this poor prognosis, dilated cardiomyopathy is the most common reason for Heart Transplantation or mechanical heart support with a left ventricular assist device. Successful heart transplantation cures the disorder, but it has its own complications and limitations. 