An analysis of factors predictive of mortality was undertaken in a group of 201 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (163 men, 38 women; average age 46 +/- 11 years) using a multivariate analysis (Cox's model) of 51 clinical electrocardiographic, echocardiographic and haemodynamic parameters. The average follow-up period was 57.1 +/- 29.9 months. Fifty-six patients died and the probability of 5-year survival was 77 +/- 3 per cent. The best predictive factor of survival was determined by the combination of the following parameters: presenting symptom: pulmonary oedema, peripheral oedema, syncope; duration of symptoms before inclusion into the study; left ventricular end diastolic volume; left ventricular end diastolic dimension; systolic pulmonary artery pressure. A quantitative score "S" was calculated which enabled identification of 3 subgroups: A (S less than 4.5); B (4.5 less than S less than 6); C (S greater than 6). The probability of 5-year survival was 90 +/- 5 per cent in Group A, 84 +/- 4 per cent in Group B and 53 +/- 7 per cent in Group C. CONCLUSIONS global survival was relatively long in this patient population with dilated cardiomyopathy at different stages of evolution; the combination of factors related to clinical severity, left ventricular dilatation, systolic pulmonary artery pressure and duration of symptoms allows identification of a subgroup of patients with a poor prognosis.