Abstract

The prevalence of dilated cardiomyopathy was assessed in two regions in England from 420 replies to 771 questionnaires sent to general practitioners. Overall point prevalence was 8.317 per 100 000 population in areas covering a total sample of 913 836 inhabitants. There was a statistically significant regional variation between East Anglia (Norfolk, Suffolk, and Cambridgeshire) and Essex, Hertfordshire, and Bedfordshire. Though the natural history of dilated cardiomyopathy remains to be defined, this study has provided an assessment of point prevalence of overt cases of this condition.