Do I need a pacemaker or ICD with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)?

Cardiomyopathy 00:21 min watch Published 5 March 2026 Dr Ravi Assomull, Consultant Cardiologist

Some patients with severe dilated cardiomyopathy may benefit from device therapy when medications alone are not enough. Dr Ravi Assomull explains when an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) or cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) pacemaker may be recommended to improve heart function and reduce the risk of dangerous heart rhythms.

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Transcript

A proportion of patients with severe symptomatic dilated cardiomyopathy where the medications haven't helped heart function potentially would benefit from an ICD or a special kind of pacemaker called a cardiac resynchronisation therapy device.

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