Restrictive Cardiomyopathy

Question 1

What is the pathophysiology of restrictive cardiomyopathy?

Answer 1

Restrictive cardiomyopathy, the rarest of the cardiomyopathies, is characterized by stiff ventricles that restrict filling during diastole. Symptoms are similar to those of left or right HF or both. The disease can be primary or caused by endocardial or myocardial disease such as sarcoidosis or amyloidosis. The prognosis for this type of cardiomyopathy is poor.

Question 2

What signs and symptoms are associated with restrictive cardiomyopathy?

Answer 2

• Bloating or nausea.
• Chest pain (at rest or with exercise).
• Dizziness or fainting.
• Edema in your feet and legs.
• Fatigue.
• Heart palpitations.
• Shortness of breath (dyspnea).
• Weight gain

Question 3

What diagnostics can be done?

Answer 3

Echocardiography, radionuclide imaging, and angiocardiography during cardiac catheterization are performed to diagnose and differentiate cardiomyopathies.