Restrictive cardiomyopathy

Question 1

Restrictive cardiomyopathy: what is it

Answer 1

• the heart muscles become restricted: becomes stiffer and less compliant
• but the size of the ventricles stay about the same

Question 2

Consequences of restrictive cardiomyopathy, and what kind of HF does it cause

Answer 2

• because of the stiffer walls -> has a low compliance -> doesn’t allow to expand -> less filling -> less pumped out of the body -> causes HF
• considered as a diastolic HF

Question 3

Restrictive cardiomyopathy: diagnosis

Answer 3

• low amplitude signals, with small QRS complexes due to restrictive ventricular contraction

Question 4

Restrictive cardiomyopathy: T

Answer 4

• Treat the underlying cause if possible. If hemochromatosis -> removal of excess iron
• heart transplant