Outlook (Prognosis) of cardiomyopathy

Condition analysis:
The outlook depends on many different things, including:
-- Cause and type of cardiomyopathy
-- How well the condition responds to treatment
-- he severity of the heart problem

Heart failure is most often a long-term (chronic) illness. It may get worse over time. Some people develop severe heart failure. In this case, medicines, surgery, and other treatments may no longer help. People with certain types of cardiomyopathy are at risk for dangerous heart rhythm problems.

Instructions:
Medicines: Many medicines are used to treat cardiomyopathy. Your doctor may prescribe medicines to:

-- Balance electrolytes in your body. Electrolytes are minerals that help maintain fluid levels and acid-base balance in the body. They also help muscle and nerve tissues work properly. Abnormal electrolyte levels may be a sign of dehydration (lack of fluid in your body), heart failure, high blood pressure, or other disorders. Aldosterone blockers are an example of a medicine used to balance electrolytes.

-- Keep your heart beating with a normal rhythm. These medicines, called antiarrhythmics, help prevent arrhythmias.

-- Lower your blood pressure. ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, beta blockers, and calcium channel blockers are examples of medicines that lower blood pressure.

-- Prevent blood clots from forming. Anticoagulants, or blood thinners, are an example of a medicine that prevents blood clots. Blood thinners often are used to prevent blood clots from forming in people who have dilated cardiomyopathy.

-- Reduce inflammation. Corticosteroids are an example of a medicine used to reduce inflammation.

-- Remove excess sodium from your body. Diuretics, or water pills, are an example of medicines that help remove excess sodium from the body, which reduces the amount of fluid in your blood.

-- Slow your heart rate. Beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, and digoxin are examples of medicines that slow the heart rate. Beta blockers and calcium channel blockers also are used to lower blood pressure.