What should be paid attention to in daily life with dilated cardiomyopathy?

Written by Li Hai Wen
Cardiology
Updated on January 15, 2025
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For dilated cardiomyopathy, attention should be paid to the following two aspects:

First, maintain good living habits, such as a low-salt diet, abstaining from smoking and alcohol, and adhering to appropriate exercise when the condition is stable. At the same time, try to avoid staying up late and excessive fatigue.

Second, standardized medication treatment should be carried out under the guidance of a doctor. This includes drugs such as the diuretic furosemide or spironolactone, as well as beta-blockers like metoprolol sustained-release tablets. Proper medication can improve symptoms, reduce the occurrence of heart failure, and lessen hospital visits, thereby improving life quality and extending life span. Never stop or switch any medication on your own at home.

(Please consult a doctor before using any medication)

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Written by Liu Ying
Cardiology
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What should be noted for dilated cardiomyopathy?

Patients with dilated cardiomyopathy should actively look for the cause of the disease and provide corresponding treatments, such as controlling infections, strictly limiting or abstaining from alcohol, treating relevant endocrine or autoimmune diseases, correcting electrolyte disorders, and improving nutritional imbalances, etc. In the early stages of dilated cardiomyopathy, although there is already enlargement of the heart and impairment of contractile function, there are no clinical manifestations of heart failure. At this stage, early pharmacological intervention should be actively implemented to slow down ventricular remodeling and further damage to the myocardium, delaying the progression of the disease. As the condition progresses, the patient's ventricular contractile function further decreases and clinical manifestations of heart failure appear. At this point, treatment should follow the guidelines for chronic heart failure. However, the specifics of the treatment and the choice of medication should be determined by a specialist based on the patient’s condition.

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Written by Li Hai Wen
Cardiology
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Clinical manifestations of dilated cardiomyopathy

The clinical manifestations of dilated cardiomyopathy can be summarized in two words: "three hearts," which are reflected in the following three aspects. First, heart enlargement, such as through chest X-rays or echocardiography, often reveals a notable enlargement of the patient's heart. Second, arrhythmias; dilated cardiomyopathy often accompanies a variety of arrhythmias, such as frequent ventricular premature beats, tachycardia, or atrial fibrillation. Third, heart failure. Dilated cardiomyopathy often results in symptoms of heart failure, such as exertional dyspnea and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea.

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Written by Li Hai Wen
Cardiology
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What should I do if dilated cardiomyopathy is causing insomnia?

Dilated cardiomyopathy causing insomnia needs to be treated based on the cause of the insomnia. First, if it is simply poor sleep quality causing occasional insomnia, no special treatment is needed. However, if insomnia occurs daily and affects quality of life, sleep-improving medications such as eszopiclone or zopiclone may be taken under a doctor's guidance. Second, if caused by worsening heart failure symptoms, which lead to nocturnal respiratory distress and affect sleep, resulting in insomnia, the treatment for heart failure should be intensified under a doctor's guidance, for instance, by increasing diuretic treatment or adjusting medications. Improving heart failure symptoms naturally enhances sleep quality. (If medication is required, please do so under the guidance of a doctor)

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Written by Li Hai Wen
Cardiology
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Cardiomyopathy is divided into four types.

From a medical perspective, common cardiomyopathies are mainly divided into the following four categories: First, dilated cardiomyopathy, which refers to a type of cardiomyopathy characterized by significant enlargement of the heart, thinning of the ventricular walls, and declined heart function. Second, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which refers to a type of cardiomyopathy primarily characterized by thickening of the ventricular walls. Third, arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia, a type of cardiomyopathy that is often clinically associated with episodes of ventricular arrhythmias. Fourth, restrictive cardiomyopathy, which is generally considered rare in clinical practice.

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Written by Zhang Yue Mei
Cardiology
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What department should I register for cardiomyopathy?

Myocardial disease is a common and frequently occurring disease in clinical practice, caused by various reasons leading to pathological changes in the myocardium. Common causes include viral infections, immune system disorders, and other factors, which can lead to degeneration, necrosis, fibrosis, and interstitial edema of the myocardium. This can cause heart failure, arrhythmias, and in severe cases, even death. Therefore, early diagnosis and timely treatment can save patients' lives and alleviate their suffering. It is necessary to consult with a psychiatrist, undergo relevant examinations under the guidance of a psychiatrist, make a clear diagnosis, and actively treat and rescue the patients.