Restrictive Cardiomyopathy

Restrictive Cardiomyopathy is the least common form of cardiomyopathy. This condition is called so as it restricts the heart from stretching properly. While the rhythm and pumping action of the heart may be healthy, the stiff walls of the heart chambers keep them from filling normally. So blood flow is reduced, and blood that would normally enter the heart is backed up in the circulatory system. In time, the heart fails.

CAUSES

* Amyloidosis – protein fibers collect in the heart muscle

* Sarcoidosis – small inflammatory masses (granulomas) form in many organs

* Hemochromatosis – too much iron in the body

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms are similar to those of congestive heart failure. * One may feel weak, very tired, and short of breath. * Many patients have swelling in their legs (called edema). * One may also find sickness in the stomach, bloated, and do not feel like eating. These symptoms most likely result from a buildup of fluid around the liver, stomach, and intestines. An irregular heartbeat (called an Arrhythmia) and a condition called Heart Block are also common in Restrictive Cardiomyopathy.

DIAGNOSIS

* Echocardiography can be used to show the size of the heart and how much muscle damage there is.

* Computed Tomography (CT) scanning gives slice-like pictures of the heart that can be used to show how the heart is working.

* Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) can give detailed pictures of the heart and its various structures.

* A biopsy of tissue from the wall of the heart may help doctors find out how seriously your heart has been damaged, or what process may be causing the damage.

* Cardiac Catheterization can show movement and force of blood through the heart (called Hemodynamic Analysis).

TREATMENT

The treatment goal is mainly controlling the symptoms of restrictive cardiomyopathy. Medicines are sometimes used to ease the heart's workload and to keep a regular heart rhythm. When the condition becomes severe, a heart transplant may be needed.