What Is Restrictive Cardiomyopathy?

Definition

What is restrictive cardiomyopathy?

Restrictive cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle that prevents muscles from contracting with normal strength. When restrictive cardiomyopathy appears, the heart's ability to contract is limited because the inner heart layer becomes stiff. As a result, the heart does not pump blood properly. Cardiomyopathy can result in
heart failure .

How common is cardiomyopathy restrictive?
This type of heart disease is far more rare than heart disease such as coronary artery disease or heart valve problems. Most cases occur in the elderly. You can limit the chances of getting this disease by reducing risk factors. Discuss with the doctor for more information.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of restrictive cardiomyopathy?

Common symptoms are fatigue, lack of ability to exercise for a long time, and difficulty breathing. In addition, the legs may swell, shortness of breath or heart beat too quickly. There may still be other symptoms not listed above. If you want to ask about this sign, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

If you have the above signs or symptoms or chest or left blood pressure disorders, consult your doctor. Every body acts differently from each other. Always discuss with your doctor to get the best solution for your condition.

Cause

What are the causes of restrictive cardiomyopathy?

Restrictive cardiomyopathy is a rare disease. The most common causes are abnormal amounts of protein and blood cells and scarring of the heart without explanation (primary myocardial fibrosis). This disease can also appear after a heart transplant.
Other causes of restrictive cardiomyopathy are:
● Carcinoid heart disease
● Heart disease (endocardium), such as endomyocardial fibrosis and Loeffler syndrome (rare)
● Excess iron (hemochromatosis)
● Scarring after radiation or chemotherapy
● Scleroderma
● Heart tumors

Risk factors

What increases my risk for restrictive cardiomyopathy?

Certain factors may increase the risk of developing restrictive cardiomyopathy:

● Family history. People with a family history of cardiomyopathy, heart failure, and sudden heart attack are more at risk for cardiomyopathy than those who do not.
● Obesity. Excessive weight makes the heart work harder, which might increase the risk of cardiomyopathy and heart failure.
● Alcoholism. People who abuse alcohol can damage their heart, resulting in cardiomyopathy. The risk increases dramatically after drinking up to 7-8 glasses of alcohol per day for more than 5 years.
● Use of illegal drugs. Drugs such as cocaine, amphetamines, and anabolic steroids, may increase the risk of cardiomyopathy.
● Certain chemotherapy drugs and radiation therapy can increase the risk of cardiomyopathy.
● Diabetes and thyroid disorders.
● Hemochromatosis. This disorder causes the body to store too much iron, and has been associated with an increased risk of widespread cardiomyopathy.

There are no risk factors that do not mean you cannot get sick. This sign is only for reference. You need to consult a specialist for more details.

Medicine & Medicine

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

What are my treatment options for restrictive cardiomyopathy?

Treatment aims to relieve symptoms of heart failure and improve abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmia).
Treatment therapy may include:

● Medication for diuretics reduces fluid in the blood to reduce the work of the heart.
● The doctor may prescribe medications that make regular heartbeats or drugs that suppress immune function (corticosteroids) to fight the conditions that cause cardiomyopathy.
● Chemotherapy (in some situations).
● If heart pumping is very bad and symptoms of heart failure worsen, a heart transplant may be needed.

What are the usual tests for restrictive cardiomyopathy?

The doctor will diagnose the disorder based on medical history and physical examination. Your doctor may do an ECG and chest X-ray to show an enlarged heart. The ECG may also indicate an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). The doctor may also do echocardiography (heart ultrasound examination) to check pumping of the heart. Blood tests may also be performed to find other causes. In addition, in some cases, cardiac catheterization and biopsy of heart tissue may be done to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment at home

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to overcome restrictive cardiomyopathy?

Lifestyle and home remedies below might help overcome restrictive cardiomyopathy:

● Eat healthy foods with more vegetables and fruit, and less salt and fat.
● Take prescription drugs according to directions.
● Exercise if the doctor allows.
● Don't drink alcohol and smoke.
● Lower weight if you are overweight.
● Try to deal with stress.
● Get enough sleep.
If there are questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.