Skip to Main Content

Healthwise® Health Information

Health library

  1. A
  2. B
  3. C
  4. D
  5. E
  6. F
  7. G
  8. H
  9. I
  10. J
  11. K
  12. L
  13. M
  14. N
  15. O
  16. P
  17. Q
  18. R
  19. S
  20. T
  21. U
  22. V
  23. W
  24. X
  25. Y
  26. Z
  27. 0-9

Restrictive cardiomyopathy

Top of the page

Restrictive cardiomyopathy

Restrictive cardiomyopathy is a problem in which the heart muscle becomes stiff and cannot fully expand to let enough blood enter its chambers. Blood that would normally enter the heart backs up in the circulatory system instead of getting pumped out to the body.

In most cases, restrictive cardiomyopathy leads to heart failure. Heart failure means that your heart can't pump enough blood to meet your body's needs.

A number of diseases can lead to restrictive cardiomyopathy. Sometimes the cause is not known. Symptoms of restrictive cardiomyopathy happen if a person gets heart failure. Heart failure symptoms include shortness of breath, feeling weak and tired, and swollen legs and feet.

The goal of treatment is to slow the disease and help you feel better. You may also have treatment for the cause of the cardiomyopathy. Treatment may include medicine and lifestyle changes.

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

To learn more about Ignite Healthwise, LLC, visit webmdignite.com.

© 2024 Ignite Healthwise, LLC.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.