7th March 2024

Treatment

If an underlying disease process is found which is amenable to treatment then this can be actively targeted. Unfortunately, in many cases, the underlying pathology is not responsive to treatment.

In the absence of an identifiable cause, then, the treatment is largely based upon symptoms; cardiac transplantation can be considered in certain patients, particularly the young, while optimal medical therapy is given for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction as described above for DCM.  Atrial fibrillation is a very common consequence due to the elevated left atrial pressures so often rate control and anticoagulation are employed.

Pacemakers can be considered in those with conduction system disease, whilst implantable cardioverter defibrillators can be provided in high-risk patients.