A device and method for reducing ventricular dilation by placing one or more cardiac bridges into vessels extending along a length of the ventricle. Each cardiac bridge preferably includes a pair of anchors and a bridge member secured therebetween. The tension in the bridge member is increased to compress the ventricle and thereby reduce the dilation. In another embodiment, the bridge member is tensioned to reshape the left ventricle for reducing tension on the chordae tendinae in the heart to improve valve function.
