Is dilated cardiomyopathy the same as heart disease?

Written by Xie Zhi Hong
Cardiology
Updated on June 08, 2025
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Heart disease is divided into several major categories: the first category is cardiovascular disease, the second category is arrhythmia disorders, which are those caused by abnormalities indicated on an electrocardiogram, and the third category is caused by cardiac structural issues, such as dilated cardiomyopathy, which is a heart disease caused by structural problems in the heart. Therefore, we should understand that dilated cardiomyopathy is actually a type of heart disease; it is not the same. Thus, this question is relatively easy to answer, as dilated cardiomyopathy is just one type of heart disease.

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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 Li Hai Wen
Cardiology
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Do you need to take medication for a long time for dilated cardiomyopathy?

Patients with dilated cardiomyopathy need long-term or even lifelong medication because dilated cardiomyopathy is an incurable disease that requires medication to properly control the onset of heart failure symptoms. The symptoms of heart failure due to dilated cardiomyopathy can easily recur, leading to repeated hospitalizations, often related to the patient's irregular medication use or arbitrary discontinuation of medication. Therefore, patients with dilated cardiomyopathy must take medication under a doctor's guidance for long periods, such as using diuretics and medication like sustained-release metoprolol, etc. At the same time, it is important to maintain good living habits, a low-salt diet, a good emotional state, and conduct moderate exercise under stable conditions.

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Written by Liu Yong
Cardiology
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Dilated cardiomyopathy clinical manifestations

Dilated cardiomyopathy is a type of heart disease characterized clinically by a significant enlargement of the heart, a marked reduction in ejection fraction, and a significant decline in heart function. Common clinical manifestations of this disease often present as heart failure symptoms, including chest tightness and shortness of breath after activity, nocturnal paroxysmal breathing difficulties, inability to lie flat, as well as swelling of the lower limbs and abdominal wall, and even conditions such as pleural effusion and ascites. Additionally, it may be associated with various types of arrhythmias, such as premature beats and tachycardia, especially ventricular tachycardia, which are all manifestations of dilated cardiomyopathy.

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Written by Zhang Yue Mei
Cardiology
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Is cardiomyopathy life-threatening?

Whether cardiomyopathy poses a threat to life depends on the severity of the condition. Mild myocardial damage, if detected early, diagnosed early, and treated with effective medications in a timely manner, generally has a good prognosis, poses no threat to life, and leaves no sequelae. Severe myocardial damage, due to lack of timely treatment, can lead to serious complications such as heart failure, arrhythmias, and cardiogenic shock, which can endanger life safety. Therefore, early diagnosis, early treatment, and prevention of complications are crucial treatment measures for cardiomyopathy.

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Written by Di Zhi Yong
Cardiology
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Can patients with dilated cardiomyopathy eat sea cucumber?

In general, if a patient is diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, it is advised that the patient actively treats and controls the symptoms, as this disease tends to recur. If the patient's cardiac function declines, sometimes it may be necessary to use some anti-myocardial drugs to treat this disease. In terms of diet, it is generally recommended that the patient follows a light diet, especially avoiding spicy and stimulating foods. As for sea cucumber, I personally recommend eating it sparingly, as sometimes it can have certain impacts on the human body. It is still advisable to adhere to a light diet, focusing on eating more vegetables and fruits, while also educating patients to improve symptoms through dietary exercise.