Dr. M.J. Bazos, MD
Patient Handout
CARDIOMYOPATHY,
RESTRICTIVE
About Your
Diagnosis
Cardiomyopathy is a disease
of the heart muscle that prevents the muscle from generating the normal force of
contraction. The result is that the heart does not effectively pump blood (heart
failure). Restrictive cardiomyopathy means the heart is restricted in its
ability to contract because the inner lining of the heart becomes stiff. The
heart does not expand properly when filling. The heart muscle tries to thicken
from the outside to make more muscle for contraction, but improper filling of
the heart causes heart failure. Much of the time the cause of restrictive
cardiomyopathy is unknown. It may be caused by diseases such as amyloidosis
(abnormal depositing of protein in some body tissues) or sarcoidosis (abnormal
inflammation of lymph nodes and other tissues). It may also be caused by an
inflammatory or autoimmune condition. Excessive alcohol consumption can worsen
cardiomyopathy. Biopsy of the tissues may be performed to confirm the diagnosis.
Cardiomyopathy is much less common than heart disease from coronary artery
disease or heart valve
abnormalities.
Living With Your
Diagnosis
Cardiomyopathy can cause
heart failure. Most persons with this condition experience fatigue, decreased
ability to exercise, and shortness of breath. There may be swelling in the legs
or feet, chest pain, or palpitations (feeling of the heart beating too fast).
Symptoms lead to an examination that shows an abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG)
and a heart that looks enlarged on examination and on a chest radiograph
(x-ray). Echocardiography (an ultrasound examination of the heart) or
angiography (radiographic test to assess blood flow through the heart) may be
performed to assess the pumping function of the
heart.
Treatment
Therapy
for cardiomyopathy aims at the symptoms of heart failure and abnormal heart
rhythms (arrhythmias). If a cause of cardiomyopathy is known, the patient is
treated for that condition. Diuretics reduce the fluid in the blood to reduce
the workload of the heart. Antiarrhythmic medications are used for arrhythmias.
Medications that suppress immune function or corticosteroid medicines may be
used when indicated to fight the condition causing the cardiomyopathy. If
pumping function is seriously decreased and the symptoms of heart failure are
worsening, heart transplantation may be
needed.
The
DOs
•Decrease the sodium (salt)
and excess fluid in your diet to help
this.
•Take all prescribed
medications as directed.
•Exercise
when you have clearance from your
physician.
The
DON’Ts
•Avoid alcohol
consumption.
•Do not forget to take
your medications.
When to Call Your
Doctor
•If you have new or
worsening chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling in the legs, or
fainting.