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Article Summary

Cardiomyopathy - dilated

by Hratch L Karamanoukian, MD and Pierre Aoukar, MD
Posted: February 20

Summary:
Dilated cardiomyopathy is enlargement of the pumping chambers (ventricles)of the heart with resultant contractile (pump) dysfunction.

Risk factors for the development of dilated cardiomyopathy include longstanding alcohol use and family history.

Dilated cardiomyopathy has a poor prognosis. Once the diagnosis is made, statistics show that only one in two (50 %) patients with dilated cardiomyopathy are alive at five years.

Although heart transplantation is an option for patients with dilated cardiomyopathy who develop end stage heart disease, biventricular pacing is now an FDA approved option and may offer significant benefit in properly selected patients with dilated cardiomyopathy who have congestive heart failure.

For a more complete discussion regarding the prognosis and medical therapy for dilated cardiomyopathy, consult your cardiologist or cardiovascular surgeon.

Reference:
Excerpt from the book: Everything Is Bad For Your Heart: The A to Z Guide, Hratch L Karamanoukian, MD and Pierre Aoukar, MD. Magalhaes Scientific Press

Date of Article Publication:
in press

Web Site: http://www.diagnosisheart.com

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