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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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.