Restrictive cardiomyopathy

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Restrictive cardiomyopathy

Restrictive cardiomyopathy is a problem in which the heart muscle becomes stiff and cannot fully expand to let enough blood enter its chambers. Blood that would normally enter the heart backs up in the circulatory system instead of getting pumped out to the body.

In most cases, restrictive cardiomyopathy leads to heart failure. Heart failure means that your heart can't pump enough blood to meet your body's needs.

The cause of restrictive cardiomyopathy is often not known. But a number of diseases can lead to restrictive cardiomyopathy. Symptoms of restrictive cardiomyopathy happen if a person gets heart failure. Heart failure symptoms include shortness of breath, feeling weak and tired, and swollen legs and feet.

The treatment of restrictive cardiomyopathy includes medicine and lifestyle changes. Treatment focuses on relieving the symptoms of heart failure and slowing its progression.

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Author	Jeannette Curtis
Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated	May 25, 2007

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Last updated:	May 25, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC

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