Hello
About 1/3rd cases of dilated cardiomopathy is due to congestive
heart failure . While 2/3rd cases are due to coronary
artery disease.
Clinical features of
dilated cardiomyopathy is as.
Left &/or right ventricular enlargement .
Impaired systolic function.
Congestive heart failure,
Arrhythmias,
Embolism ( emboli).
Although no cause is apparent in many cases , dilated cardiomyopathy is probably the end result of myocardial damage produced by a variety of toxic , metabolic or infectious agents.
Now your questions answers.
1 Is this a life threatening ?
If proper treatment is taken not life threatening .
2 & 3 Yes , you have to take medicines for life long .
4 Shorter life span?
Now a day the best treatment and facilities available , so no question of shorter life span like you.
Consult regularly to a CARDIOLOGIST and take treatment .
Good luck.