About Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Key Highlights
-
Comprehensive, multi-faceted approach to manage a chronic heart condition.Aims to improve heart function, alleviate symptoms like fatigue and shortness of breath, and enhance quality of life.Focuses on slowing the progression of the disease and preventing serious complications such as heart failure, stroke, or sudden cardiac arrest.Involves a personalized treatment plan that may combine medication, lifestyle changes, and advanced device or surgical therapies.Requires ongoing specialist care and monitoring to adjust treatment as needed for optimal long-term outcomes.
Who is this surgery for?
- Diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy confirmed through imaging tests like echocardiogram or MRI.
- Presence of symptoms such as shortness of breath (dyspnea), fatigue, swelling in legs/ankles (edema), or irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias).
- Evidence of reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), indicating poor pumping ability.
- Risk of or presence of complications like congestive heart failure, blood clots, or life-threatening arrhythmias.
- Progressive worsening of heart function despite initial medical management.
- Family history of cardiomyopathy or sudden cardiac death, warranting genetic counseling and monitoring.
How to prepare
- Undergo a thorough diagnostic workup including echocardiogram, ECG, blood tests, and possibly cardiac MRI or biopsy.
- Detailed consultation with a cardiologist to discuss the diagnosis, treatment options, and long-term management plan.
- Review and adjustment of current medications as per cardiologist's instructions; may need to stop certain drugs temporarily.
- For planned device implantation (e.g., ICD) or surgery: complete pre-operative tests, fasting as advised, and arrange for post-procedure support.
- Implement immediate lifestyle changes: begin a low-sodium diet, limit fluid intake, and avoid alcohol and smoking.
- Discuss advance care planning and potential need for advanced therapies like heart transplant evaluation if indicated.
Risks & possible complications
- Progression to heart failure, requiring hospitalization and more intensive treatment.
- Development of life-threatening arrhythmias (ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation) leading to sudden cardiac arrest.
- Formation of blood clots in the heart (mural thrombi), which can cause stroke or pulmonary embolism.
- Complications from medications, such as low blood pressure, kidney impairment, or electrolyte imbalances.
- Risks associated with device therapy (pacemaker/ICD): infection, lead displacement, or device malfunction.
- Surgical risks if ventricular assist device (VAD) or transplant is needed: bleeding, infection, organ rejection, or device failure.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Recovery is a long-term process focused on disease management, not a post-operative period from a single procedure.
- Strict adherence to prescribed medications (e.g., beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, diuretics) is paramount.
- Regular follow-up appointments with the cardiologist for monitoring of heart function, symptoms, and medication adjustments.
- Lifestyle modifications are permanent: maintain a heart-healthy, low-sodium diet; engage in approved physical activity; and completely avoid alcohol and smoking.
- For patients with implanted devices (ICD/pacemaker), avoid heavy lifting and electromagnetic interference; report any device shocks or warnings immediately.
- Participate in cardiac rehabilitation programs if recommended to safely improve strength and endurance.
- Monitor for and promptly report worsening symptoms like increased shortness of breath, weight gain, or chest pain.
-
Typical hospital stay: Varies widely (0 days for routine management to weeks for advanced surgery)
-
Expected recovery time: Lifelong management; functional improvement can take months
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering dilated cardiomyopathy in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for dilated cardiomyopathy in India include Medanta The Medicity, Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Miot Hospital Chennai, Nanavati Max Hospital, Nanavati Max Hospital, Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform dilated cardiomyopathy. MediFyr helps you compare cardiologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for dilated cardiomyopathy compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | USD 544 – USD 16,315 | Varies widely (0 days for routine management to weeks for advanced surgery) | ~ Lifelong management; functional improvement can take months | Know More |
| Turkey | USD 4,026 – USD 120,788 | Varies widely (0 days for routine management to weeks for advanced surgery) | ~ Lifelong management; functional improvement can take months | Know More |
Top hospitals for Dilated Cardiomyopathy in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated cardiology teams and experience managing patients undergoing dilated cardiomyopathy.
I'd been feeling off for months,...
I'd been feeling off for months, tired all the time with weird aches. A couple of other doctors just shrugged. Dr. Shrivarthan was different. He actually listened, asked a ton of questions I hadn't thought about, and ordered some specific tests. Turns out it was a thyroid issue that wasn't showing up on the standard panel. He explained it all in a way that finally made sense. I'm on treatment now and starting to feel like myself again.
Cardiologists for Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Explore experienced cardiologists who regularly perform dilated cardiomyopathy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 19 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital EM Bypass
- 10 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital EM Bypass
- 16 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital EM Bypass
- 24 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Dwarka
- 14 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital EM Bypass
- 12 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital EM Bypass
- 10 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital EM Bypass
- 7 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital EM Bypass
- 29 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Baner
- 31 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Goa
- 11 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Baner
- 19 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Goa
- 16 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Goa
- 15 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Goa
- 11 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Goa
- 20 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur
- 25 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur
- 18 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur
- 36 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Millers Road
- 14 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur