What is restrictive cardiomyopathy?

What is restrictive cardiomyopathy?

Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is a condition where the chambers of the heart become stiff over time. Though the heart is able to squeeze well, it’s not able to relax between beats normally. This makes it harder for the heart to fill with blood.

What causes cardiomyopathy in babies?

Primary cardiomyopathy occurs by itself (no other parts of the body are involved) due to a genetic defect or an external cause such as heart muscle inflammation (myocarditis) caused by viral or bacterial infections; exposure to certain toxins such as heavy metals or excessive alcohol use.

What is cardiac ventricular myopathy?

Cardiomyopathy (kahr-dee-o-my-OP-uh-thee) is a disease of the heart muscle that makes it harder for your heart to pump blood to the rest of your body. Cardiomyopathy can lead to heart failure. The main types of cardiomyopathy include dilated, hypertrophic and restrictive cardiomyopathy.

Is dilated cardiomyopathy a congenital heart disease?

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) occurs when heart muscle cells are abnormal or damaged. Overall, it is quite rare in children. In many cases, DCM is genetic, that is, passed from parent to child through the chromosomes.

How long can you live with restrictive cardiomyopathy?

Outlook (Prognosis) People with restrictive cardiomyopathy may be heart transplant candidates. The outlook depends on the cause of the condition, but it is usually poor. Survival after diagnosis may exceed 10 years.

Can you live a normal life with restrictive cardiomyopathy?

Many people with restrictive cardiomyopathy have no symptoms or only minor symptoms, and live a normal life. Other people develop symptoms, which progress as heart function worsens. Symptoms occur at any age and may include: Shortness of breath (at first with exercise; but over time it occurs at rest)

What is the life expectancy of someone with cardiomyopathy?

The majority of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy have no symptoms and most have a near-normal life expectancy. In some cases, sudden cardiac death is the first symptom of the illness. Patients who have symptoms at a younger age often have higher mortality rates.

What is the life expectancy of someone with dilated cardiomyopathy?

Clinically, DCM is characterized by a progressive course of ventricular dilatation and systolic dysfunction. The life expectancy is limited and varies according to the underlying etiology with a median survival time of about 5 years after diagnosis.

What are the 2 cardinal symptoms of patients with heart failure?

THE CARDINAL symptoms of congestive failure are dyspnea, fatigue and edema. The purpose of this discussion is to outline the physiologic basis for these symptoms and to discuss their therapy. HEART FAILURE.