Restrictive Cardiomyopathy

What are the treatments for the disease?

There are few treatments for restrictive cardiomyopathy. Treatment is directed at the cause, when possible, to prevent further heart damage. For example, a person with hemochromatosis often needs to have his or her blood filtered by a machine to remove excess iron. Medications called diuretics, or "water" pills, and heart medications are used to treat the congestive heart failure.

Medications to suppress the immune system can help delay heart damage in many cases. This kind of treatment does not offer a cure. In rare cases, surgery to remove some of the scarred heart tissue may improve symptoms. For cases that don't respond to these measures, a heart transplant may be the only treatment.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Side effects depend on the treatment used. Diuretics and heart medications can cause allergic reactions, salt imbalances, stomach upset, and other effects. Medications that suppress the immune system can result in infections, kidney or liver damage, and other effects. Surgery is associated with bleeding, infection, and allergic reactions to anesthesia. A heart transplant is a high-risk operation and the body may reject the new heart.

What happens after treatment for the disease?

A person with restrictive cardiomyopathy will need lifelong treatment.

How is the disease monitored?

The person will work together with the healthcare provider to monitor symptoms, the effects of treatment, and medications. This often involves blood tests and repeated imaging tests of the heart. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.