Table of contents:
- Definition
- What is restrictive cardiomyopathy?
- How common is restrictive cardiomyopathy?
- Signs & symptoms
- What are the signs and symptoms of restrictive cardiomyopathy?
- When should I see a doctor?
- Cause
- What causes restrictive cardiomyopathy?
- Risk factors
- What increases my risk for restrictive cardiomyopathy?
- Medicines & Medicines
- What are my treatment options for restrictive cardiomyopathy?
- What are the usual tests for restrictive cardiomyopathy?
- Home remedies
- What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat restrictive cardiomyopathy?
x
Definition
What is restrictive cardiomyopathy?
Restrictive cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle that prevents muscles from contracting with normal force. When restrictive cardiomyopathy develops, the heart's ability to contract is limited because the inner lining of the heart becomes stiff. As a result, the heart does not pump blood properly. Cardiomyopathy can result in failure
heart.
How common is restrictive cardiomyopathy?
This type of heart disease is much rarer than heart diseases such as coronary artery disease or heart valve problems. Most cases occur in elderly people. You can limit your chances of getting this disease by reducing risk factors. Talk to your 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 long periods of time, and difficulty breathing. In addition, the feet may be swollen, short of breath or the heart beats too fast. There may be other symptoms not listed above. If you have questions about this sign, consult your doctor.
When should I see a doctor?
If you have any signs or symptoms above or abnormalities in the left chest or blood pressure, consult your doctor. Every body acts differently from one another. Always discuss with your doctor to find the best solution for your condition.
Cause
What causes restrictive cardiomyopathy?
Restrictive cardiomyopathy is a rare disease. The most common causes are abnormal amounts of protein and blood cells and unexplained scarring of the heart (primary myocardial fibrosis). This disease can also appear after a heart transplant.
Other causes of restrictive cardiomyopathy include:
Carcinoid heart disease
Heart lining (endocardium) disease, eg endomyocardial fibrosis and Loeffler's syndrome (rare)
Excess iron (hemochromatosis)
Scar tissue after radiation or chemotherapy
Scleroderma
Heart tumor
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 cardiac arrest are more at risk of developing cardiomyopathy than those who don't.
Obesity. Excess weight makes the heart work harder, which may increase the risk of cardiomyopathy and heart failure.
Alcohol addiction. People who abuse alcohol can damage their heart, and result 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 linked to an increased risk of widespread cardiomyopathy.
Having no risk factors doesn't mean you can't get sick. This mark is for reference only. You will need to consult a specialist for more details.
Medicines & Medicines
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:
Diuretic-type drugs reduce fluid in the blood to reduce the work of the heart.
Your doctor may prescribe drugs that keep your heart rate regular or drugs that suppress immune function (corticosteroids) to fight conditions that cause cardiomyopathy.
Chemotherapy (in some situations).
If the heart is pumping very poorly 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 a history of medication and a physical examination. The doctor may do an ECG and chest X-ray to show an enlarged heart. The ECG may also show an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). The doctor may also perform an echocardiography (ultrasound examination of the heart) to check for pumping of the heart. Blood tests may also be performed to find other causes. In addition, in some cases, cardiac catheterization and a biopsy of the heart tissue may be done to confirm the diagnosis.
Home remedies
What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat restrictive cardiomyopathy?
The following lifestyle and home remedies might help treat restrictive cardiomyopathy:
Eat a healthy diet with more vegetables and fruit, and less salt and fat.
Take prescription medication as directed.
Exercise if your doctor allows.
Don't drink alcohol and smoke.
Lose weight if you are overweight.
Try to deal with stress.
Get enough sleep.
If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.