Fortunately, treatment of cardiomyopathy and heart failure has come a long way in recent years.
There are several types of drugs that are used. Among them are an old class of drugs known as cardiac glycosides. The main drug in this group in use today is digoxin (Lanoxin). In general, the cardiac glycosides increase the force of the heart's contractions. Digoxin and related drugs can increase the efficiency of muscle cells in the heart that haven't yet undergone degeneration and scarring.
Another type of drug that's sometimes prescribed in heart failure is a diuretic. Diuretics, sometimes called water pills, increase the elimination of water from the body through the kidneys. This fluid reduction seems to help the heart work more efficiently with reduced muscle power. There are many types of diuretics. Among the names you may encounter are furosemide (Lasix), bumetanide (Bumex) and spironolactone (Aldactone).
A recent addition to the array of drugs used to treat heart failure are the ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitors. They reduce production of the chemical angiotensin. Reduced angiotensin causes blood vessels to dilate and improves the efficiency of the failing heart. Enalapril (Vasotec) and captopril (Capoten) are examples of this type of drug.
Still another new addition to the treatment of heart failure is the class of drugs known as beta blockers. Many people have heard of these drugs in the treatment of high blood pressure, where their benefit derives from slowing the heart rate and decreasing the force of the heart's contractions. It may seem confusing to use such drugs in heart failure, where the heart doesn't seem to be contracting hard enough, but studies have shown that, at least at certain points in the progression of heart failure, they are helpful. Metoprolol (Lopressor) is an example of a beta blocker used in this condition.
Other drugs, as well as a diet low in sodium, may also be prescribed by a cardiologist. A low-sodium diet helps the body rid itself of excess fluid.
If drugs and diet are no longer effective and death from heart failure is imminent, the only recourse may be a heart transplant. Heart transplants have been performed in several young men with BMD. In these patients, the general prognosis was considered good enough to warrant this drastic step. Boys with Duchenne are not considered candidates for heart transplantation, because their overall prognosis, especially with regard to their respiratory status, is poor.
A new type of surgery for some types of heart failure is a procedure that reduces the size of the heart. This type of operation is considered experimental but may someday replace heart transplantation as a treatment for heart failure.
