Stress Management

Cardiomyopathy

Restrictive Cardiomyopathy

In restrictive cardiomyopathy, the heart resists filling with blood. Hence the amount of blood pumped out by the heart is not sufficient to meet the body's increased need for the energy and nutrients when the person is exercising. But the heart will be able to provide adequate blood when the person is resting. 

Restrictive cardiomyopathy is the least common form of cardiomyopathy. It has several similarities  with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Causes of Restrictive Cardiomyopathy

Cause is usually not known.

1. The heart muscle is gradually replaced by scar tissue.

2. The heart muscle is infiltrated by abnormal material, such as white blood cells.

3. Amyloidosis

4. Sarcoidosis

5. Hemochromatosis- When the body contains excessive amount of iron, it may accumulate in the heart muscle, as in iron overload.

6. A tumor invading the heart tissue.

Symptoms of Restrictive Cardiomyopathy

• Shortness of breath

• Tissue swelling (edema)

• Abnormal heart rhythms

• Palpitations

• Heat failure

• Chest pain and fainting - These are less likely than in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Diagnosis

Restrictive cardiomyopathy is often one of the suspected causes of heart failure. 
The diagnosis of restrictive cardiomyopathy is based largely on a physical examination, an electrocardiogram (ECG), and an echocardiogram.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is sometimes used to provide information about the structure of the heart.

Catheterization of the heart is required to arrive at a precise diagnosis.

Prognosis

About 70 percent of people with restrictive cardiomyopathy die within 5 years of when symptoms begin.

Treatment

No satisfactory therapy is available.

Diuretics may actually worsen the condition instead of improving it.

Drugs normally used in heart failure to reduce the heart's workload may actually reduce the blood pressure too much.

Occasionally, the cause of restrictive cardiomyopathy can be treated to prevent heart damage from getting worse. In some cases, this treatment may even partially reverse the restrictive cardiomyopathy. If you are suffering from iron over load, removing blood at regular intervals will reduce the stored iron in the body and alleviating the condition. Those who have sarcoidosis may take corticosteroids.

Alternative and Complementary Treatments

See cardiomyopathy for alternative and complementary treatment recommendations.

Caution: Cardiomyopathy is a life-threatening condition. If you suspect you or someone you know is suffering from cardiomyopathy, seek medical assistance immediately.

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