Restrictive cardiomyopathy

Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is a form of cardiomyopathy in which the walls of the heart are rigid, and the heart is restricted from stretching and filling with blood properly. It is the least common of the three original subtypes of cardiomyopathy: dilated cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and restrictive cardiomyopathy.

Causes

Restrictive cardiomyopathy can be caused by various conditions that make the heart less elastic, including amyloidosis, sarcoidosis, hemochromatosis, and connective tissue disorders. In some cases, the cause is unknown, a condition referred to as idiopathic restrictive cardiomyopathy.

Symptoms

Symptoms of restrictive cardiomyopathy may include fatigue, breathlessness (dyspnea), and edema (swelling) of the legs and feet. Other symptoms can include palpitations, dizziness, and fainting (syncope).

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of restrictive cardiomyopathy can be challenging. It often involves a combination of physical examination, medical history, blood tests, electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, and sometimes cardiac catheterization or cardiac MRI.

Treatment

Treatment for restrictive cardiomyopathy aims to manage symptoms and halt disease progression. This can involve medications such as diuretics, beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers. In severe cases, a heart transplant may be necessary.

Prognosis

The prognosis for restrictive cardiomyopathy varies depending on the underlying cause and the severity of the disease. In general, the disease tends to progress slowly and can be managed with treatment for many years.

See also

• Cardiomyopathy
• Dilated cardiomyopathy
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
• Amyloidosis
• Sarcoidosis
• Hemochromatosis
• Connective tissue disorders