What is restrictive cardiomyopathy?
A person with restrictive cardiomyopathy has stiffness of the walls of the heart. The stiffness does not allow the heart to fill with blood properly. This results in a weakened heart that is unable to pump enough blood to meet the needs of body. Causes of restrictive cardiomyopathy include amyloidosis, sarcoidosis, scleroderma and radiation therapy. Restrictive cardiomyopathy is a cause of congestive heart failure.

What are the symptoms of restrictive cardiomyopathy?
Initial symptoms of restrictive cardiomyopathy include mild fatigue, increased urinary frequency, and loss of appetite. Symptoms of worsening restrictive cardiomyopathy include worsening fatigue, coughing, leg swelling, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

How does the doctor treat restrictive cardiomyopathy?
Treatment for restrictive cardiomyopathy includes a low cholesterol diet, low salt diet, exercise plan, weight reduction, elastic support stockings, fluid restriction, diuretic medications, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, aspirin, and potassium supplements.