Not all heart diseases are related to heart attack but the onset of a few can lead to heart failure. One such example is Restrictive cardiomyopathy. In this condition, the heart’s lower chamber’s walls become too rigid for expansion. As a result, adequate amount of blood cannot enter the chamber and the heart fails to pump as it should. If this becomes acute, it can lead to heart failure.
What it can lead to?
While the majority of people afflicted with Restrictive cardiomyopathy suffer heart failure, there can be other repercussions as well. The other results can include heart attack, stroke, development of pulmonary embolism, Sudden cardiac death etc.
Major symptoms ofRestrictive Cardiomyopathy
The sad thing is most people with this ailment may have few symptoms and at times, they may lead normal lives without facing any visible symptom. The major symptoms of Restrictive Cardiomyopathy are:
- Shortness of breath
- Poor appetite
- Weight gain
- Swelling of legs
- Fainting
- Chest pain
- Palpitations
What leads to onset ofRestrictive Cardiomyopathy?
The major causes of Restrictive Cardiomyopathy include:
- Hemochromatosis (excess iron in heart)
- Protein buildup in heart muscle
- Scar tissue buildup
- Chest exposure to radiation
How Restrictive Cardiomyopathy can be diagnosed?
The doctor may ask you detailed question regarding the symptoms detected and health records. Thereafter, your heart and lungs have to be tested. The tests that are performed to confirm Restrictive Cardiomyopathy include:
- Electrocardiogram, also called an ECG / EKG.
- Echocardiogram.
- MRI
- Cardiac catheterization.
- A few blood tests.
- Myocardial biopsy
The size of your heart may remain normal after you are afflicted with this condition. At times, it may be confused with an ailment called constrictive pericarditis (40). Not all patients with this condition will be asked to undergo all of these tests though.
What are the treatment options?
Treatment options for restrictive cardiomyopathy are not easy. In most cases, the Treatment focuses on rectifying the root cause. Doctors usually advise necessary lifestyle changes and offer medications to prevent heart failure. Below listed are the commonplace treatment options for this ailment:
- Dietary changes– As is the case with most patients with cardiac disorders, patients of restrictive cardiomyopathy are advised to make some major changes to their diets. It is necessary to keep a tab on the amount of sodium you intake from the food. So, you will have to be careful about that. Smoking is also a habit you have to cut down on.
- Exercise– It may vary from one victim of restrictive cardiomyopathy to another, but most of the patients are advised to exercise. The fact is people diagnosed with this condition, lack the tenacity to work out for long and they get tired easily. So light workout seems a good and practical idea. So, you can exercise while keeping a check on tiredness and take small breaks in between workout sessions. It is better to stay away from Heavy weightlifting if you have this condition.
- Medication– Based on your situation, the doctors will suggest some medications. In some cases, victims of restrictive cardiomyopathy feel better after using the beta blockers and others report benefits after using ACE inhibitors (41). Sometimes, you may be asked to intake several medications to control the symptoms and keep risk of heart failure at bay.
- Surgery-In some rare cases, people diagnosed with this condition are advised to undergo surgery. A heart transplant can be the only option sometimes. Some patients are suggested to use devices to aid the heart pump normally such as a pacemaker or ICD.
What you should do for improvement
Once you are diagnosed with restrictive cardiomyopathy, adhering to the medications and taking them as advised by the doctor is what you should do. Sticking to dietary imitations is a must once you are detected with this condition. The doctors can advise you regarding symptoms to watch out for. You also need to know major triggers and then evade them. If resorting to any specific food or exercise aggravates the symptoms, it is necessary to inform the doctor and stay away from those.