Restrictive cardiomyopathy

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Heart, front view

Cardiomyopathy - restrictive; Infiltrative cardiomyopathy

When the cause of any cardiomyopathy can be found, that condition is treated.

Few treatments are known to be effective for restrictive cardiomyopathy. The main goal of treatment is to control symptoms and improve quality of life.

The following treatments may be used to control symptoms or prevent problems:

• Blood thinning medications, either aspirin or warfarin
• Chemotherapy (in some situations)
• Diuretics to remove fluid and help improve breathing
• Medications to prevent or control irregular or abnormal heart rhythms
• Steroids for specific causes

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A heart transplant may be considered if the heart function is very poor and the patient has many symptoms.

People with restrictive cardiomyopathy may be heart transplant candidates. The outlook depends on the cause of the condition, but it is usually poor. Average survival after diagnosis is 9 years.

• Arrhythmias
• Mitral regurgitation
• Progressive heart failure
• Tricuspid regurgitation

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of restrictive cardiomyopathy.

Review Date: 05/17/2010
Reviewed By: Michael A. Chen, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington Medical School, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).