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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Restrictive Cardiomyopathy (RCM)
Introduction
Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is a rare form of cardiomyopathy characterized by stiffness of the heart muscle, leading to impaired ventricular filling while systolic function is typically preserved. This results in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).
Causes
RCM can be caused by various conditions, most notably: - Infiltrative diseases (e.g., amyloidosis, sarcoidosis) - Genetic mutations affecting the heart’s structural proteins - Fibrotic diseases causing myocardial stiffening - Endomyocardial fibrosis
Symptoms
- Shortness of breath (Dyspnea)
- Fatigue
- Edema (fluid retention)
- Jugular venous distension (JVD)
- Exercise intolerance
Diagnosis
- Echocardiography – to assess diastolic dysfunction
- Cardiac MRI – to identify fibrosis or infiltration
- Endomyocardial biopsy – may be required in cases of suspected infiltrative diseases
- Genetic testing – when a hereditary cause is suspected
Treatment
There is no specific cure for RCM, but treatment aims to manage symptoms: - Diuretics – reduce congestion and edema - Beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers – to help control heart rate - Anticoagulants – in cases with atrial fibrillation - Heart transplant – in severe cases
Prognosis
Prognosis varies depending on the underlying cause. Amyloidosis-related RCM often has a poorer prognosis, whereas some genetic forms may be more manageable if diagnosed early.
Conclusion
RCM is a serious condition that requires early diagnosis and careful management. A multidisciplinary approach, including cardiologists, geneticists, and sometimes transplant teams, can offer patients the best possible outcomes.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Cardiomyopathies
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cardiomyopathy
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001250
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cardiomyopathy/what-is-cardiomyopathy-in-adults/hypertrophic-cardiomyopathy
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000937
- https://professional.heart.org/en/education/hypertrophic-cardiomyopathy-for-professionals
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Cardiomyopathies
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Cardiomyopathy-Guidelines
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/44/37/3503/7246608
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37622657/
- https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2023/08/30/02/53/2023-esc-guidelines-for-cardiomyopathies-esc-2023
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25173338/
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
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