A patient is admitted with symptoms of heart failure, and an echocardiogram reveals a dilated left ventricle with reduced ejection fraction. Which type of cardiomyopathy is this most consistent with, and what is the primary therapeutic approach?

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, employ beta-blockers to reduce contractility.

Restrictive cardiomyopathy; increase fluid intake to enhance cardiac filling.

Dilated cardiomyopathy; focus on reducing preload and afterload with ACE inhibitors.

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, treat with immediate cardiac surgery.