Can Dilated Cardiomyopathy Go Away On It’s Own?

Dilated cardiomyopathy is a condition where an individual suffers from the weakened left ventricle. It results in a situation where the heart fails to pump the needed blood as required by the body. Apart from it, the heart also receives less intake of oxygen-rich blood, making it vulnerable to numerous heart problems. In many of the cases, dilated cardiomyopathy goes unnoticed because the person suffering from it may or may not display symptoms that required treatment. In a few situations, dilated cardiomyopathy appears suddenly and goes away on its own. For others, treatment is necessary.

The reason behind the sudden appearance and disappearance is still unknown.

Treatment of dilated cardiomyopathy depends on the symptoms experienced by the individual along with the severity of the condition. Before heading to the treatment procedure, the doctor considers diagnosis where one collects ample amount of data to confirm the presence of dilated cardiomyopathy.

Diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy includes a physical examination and diagnostic tests. The physical study provides information about the abnormal sounds produced by the heart and lungs. Diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram, x-ray, CT scan, MRI, and cardiac catheterization. The results obtained will provide an insight into the present situation and the severity. Apart from this, the doctor also considers the overall health of the patient, the age, and the gender.

Treatment includes:

• Use of medicines
• Lifestyle changes
• Non-surgical procedures
• Surgery and implanted devices

The priority of the treatment consists of controlling the symptoms that cause dilated cardiomyopathy, managing and controlling factors that are responsible for the disease, reducing the risk factor of sudden cardiac arrest, and halting the condition from getting out of control.

Lifestyle changes aim at improving the health of the heart. The doctor suggests the lifestyle change depending on the symptoms experienced by the individual and the severity. It includes:

• Healthy eating.
• Maintaining healthy weight.
• Managing stress.
• Physical activities.
• Quitting smoking and alcohol.

The use of medicines is helpful in treating dilated cardiomyopathy. The doctor prescribes medicines to:

• Balance electrolytes, as they help in maintaining acid-base balance and fluid levels in the body. Electrolytes also ensure proper functionality of muscle and nerve tissues.
• Keep the heartbeat within the normal rhythm by using antiarrhythmic medications, which help in prevent arrhythmias.
• Lower the blood pressure using beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors, and angiotensin II receptor blockers.
• Prevent formation of blood clots using anticoagulants.
• Reduce inflammation with the use of corticosteroids.
• Remove excess content of fluid and sodium from the body with the help of diuretics.
• Slow the heart rate with the help of calcium channel blockers, digoxin, and beta-blockers.
• It is necessary for an individual diagnosed with the condition to consume the medicines or follow the treatment as prescribed by the doctor.

Septal Myectomy – The open heart surgery helps in treating hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, especially in younger patients and those where medicines are not functioning appropriately.

Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator – Placing the surgical device helps in controlling the life-threatening arrhythmias.

Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Device – The device coordinates the contractions between the left and right ventricles of the heart.

Left Ventricular Assist Device – Placing the device helps the heart to pump the blood as required by the body. One can use it on a short-term or long-term therapy, especially for those who are seeking a heart transplant.

Pacemaker – Placed under the skin of the abdominal or chest, the small device helps in controlling arrhythmias.

In many cases, the appearance of dilated cardiomyopathy results in symptoms, which requires immediate medical attention. Use of medicines, lifestyle changes, and surgery (if needed) is helpful in overcoming dilated cardiomyopathy.

Also Read:

• Cardiomyopathy – Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment
• Dilated Cardiomyopathy: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention, Prognosis
• Are Cardiomyopathy And Congestive Heart Failure The Same Thing?
• What is the Life Expectancy Of A Woman Who Has Cardiomyopathy?
• How Is Dilated Cardiomyopathy Treated?
• Is Dilated Cardiomyopathy Reversible?
• How Long Does A Person live After Being Diagnosed With Cardiomyopathy?