"Of the heart: This moves of itself; and does not stop unless forever."
Definition
A group of diseases in which the dominant feature is the involvement of the heart muscle itself leading to myocardial dysfunction, but not the result of hypertension, valvular disease, CAD or pericardial disease. (There are disagreements in the definition and inclusion of specific, causative factors).
Prognosis
DCM is as for any Congestive cardiac failure, initially good response, but gradual deterioration follows. HCM prognosis is variable, from sudden death exercise or gradual transition into DCM. Prognosis from RCM is generally poor with little useful therapy available.
