Thank you to all who posted responses to my question about getting a useful prognosis on idiopathic cardiomyopathy with CHF. Sharyn5, thanks for that link I'll check it out right away.
Doctornee, thank you for explaining the differential mortality rates for different conditions. I have a pretty severe case, with CHF and an LVEF of 20%. I also have an ICD implant with right atrial pacing. I have a better sense now, of what to expect and even though it's not a very rosy outlook, I find that information helpful.
Grandsiori, thanks for teh info on hereditary v. non-hereditary. In my case it's unkown whether there is a hereditary factor, but it can't be ruled out.
I found all of your responses to be helpful. This is a great website and an active, helpful, supportive forum.