Expanding the Survival Rate of Dilated Cardiomyopathy Over Five Years

Optimized Heart Failure Management

Heart failure and progressive chamber enlargement can be effectively managed using a combination of medications. These include inotropic agents such as digoxin, diuretics like furosemide, and key disease-modifying drugs such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (e.g., benazepril), beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol), and aldosterone receptor antagonists (e.g., spironolactone). These therapies help improve hemodynamics, reduce cardiac remodeling, and ultimately enhance survival.

Arrhythmia Control and Sudden Death Prevention

DCM patients often develop various cardiac arrhythmias, particularly ventricular arrhythmias such as premature ventricular contractions and ventricular tachycardia. Antiarrhythmic drugs like metoprolol and amiodarone are typically used to manage these conditions. For patients at high risk of sudden cardiac death—such as those with a history of ventricular fibrillation or flutter—implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) are strongly recommended to reduce the risk of arrhythmic mortality.

Thromboembolic Event Prevention

In advanced stages of the disease, thromboembolic complications become a major concern. Anticoagulants such as dabigatran and rivaroxaban are effective in reducing the risk of stroke and systemic embolism, thereby improving long-term outcomes for patients with DCM-related coagulopathy.