Cardiomyopathy, or weak heart muscle, is a condition in which the structure of the heart muscle changes so it becomes thickened, enlarged, or stiff, and can no longer pump blood efficiently. One of the types is restrictive cardiomyopathy, where the heart chambers become rigid and have difficulty expanding when they fill with blood.

This article explains the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for restrictive cardiomyopathy.

What Is Restrictive Cardiomyopathy?

Restrictive cardiomyopathy is a condition in which the heart chambers become stiff and cannot fill with blood properly. As a result, pressure inside the heart rises and fluid can build up in the lungs, which may eventually lead to heart failure. This condition is also known as idiopathic restrictive cardiomyopathy or infiltrative cardiomyopathy.

Although it is rare, restrictive cardiomyopathy can occur in anyone. The most frequent causes include amyloidosis and the formation of scar tissue in the heart for reasons that are not clearly known. This condition may also develop in people who have previously undergone a heart transplant.

Symptoms of Restrictive Cardiomyopathy

In the early stages, restrictive cardiomyopathy often does not cause obvious symptoms. As the disease progresses, various signs of heart failure may appear, such as:

• A bloated sensation or nausea.

• Chest pain, whether at rest or during activity.

• Dizziness or syncope.

• Swelling (edema) in the feet and legs.

• Persistent fatigue.

• Heart palpitations.

• Shortness of breath (dyspnea).

• Weight gain due to fluid retention.

Causes of Restrictive Cardiomyopathy

A person’s risk of developing restrictive cardiomyopathy increases if they have the following conditions:

• Amyloidosis, which is the buildup of abnormal proteins in body tissues such as the heart, kidneys, or nerves.

• Connective tissue disease.

• Hemochromatosis (excess iron stored in the body).

• Sarcoidosis.

The risks can also increase after certain types of cancer treatments, especially:

• Chemotherapy.

• Radiation therapy.

Restrictive Cardiomyopathy Treatments

At present, there is no single specific cure for restrictive cardiomyopathy. The treatments are tailored to the underlying cause. If symptoms of heart failure are present, the doctor may suggest several therapies, such as:

• Corticosteroids.

• Diuretics to help reduce fluid buildup.

• Medications to manage heart rhythm disturbances.

• Therapeutic phlebotomy, particularly in people with hemochromatosis.

• Medicines for certain forms of amyloidosis.

In more advanced cases, the doctor may consider a heart transplant or palliative care to help relieve symptoms.

Alongside medical treatments, the doctor may also advise lifestyle changes, such as:

• Reducing high consumption of salty foods.

• Limiting daily fluid intake.

• Following a heart-healthy eating pattern, such as the Mediterranean diet or the DASH diet.

Preventing Restrictive Cardiomyopathy

In restrictive cardiomyopathy, the heart must work harder to pump blood throughout the body. If you already have heart disorders or considered as a high-risk individual, you should consult your doctor to get appropriate monitoring and treatments.

Although the underlying causes of restrictive cardiomyopathy cannot always be prevented, you can still help protect heart health by adopting a healthy lifestyle, such as:

• Checking your blood pressure regularly.

• Maintaining a healthy body weight.

• Managing stress well.

• Stopping smoking.

• Exercising regularly for at least 150 minutes each week.

Restrictive cardiomyopathy occurs when the heart chambers become stiff, so they cannot pump blood effectively. This condition increases pressure inside the heart and can eventually lead to heart failure. Although rare, restrictive cardiomyopathy can affect anyone, especially people with amyloidosis or connective tissue disease.

If you have questions about heart disease, you can consult a doctor or use the consultation feature in the Ai Care app, which can be downloaded from the App Store or Play Store.

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