What are examples of cardiomyopathies?

The main types of cardiomyopathy are:

• Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
• Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM)
• Left Ventricular Non-compaction (LVNC)
• Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia (ARVD)

How does restrictive cardiomyopathy affect the body?

Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is a condition where the chambers of the heart become stiff over time. Though the heart is able to squeeze well, it’s not able to relax between beats normally. This makes it harder for the heart to fill with blood. The blood backs up in the circulatory system.

How common is restrictive cardiomyopathy?

RCM is a fairly rare disease, but it does account for approximately 5% of all cases of cardiomyopathy. The three major cardiomyopathies are dilated, hypertrophic, and restrictive. RCM is the least common form.

How many types of cardiomyopathies are there?

The main types of cardiomyopathy include dilated, hypertrophic and restrictive cardiomyopathy. Treatment — which might include medications, surgically implanted devices, heart surgery or, in severe cases, a heart transplant — depends on which type of cardiomyopathy you have and how serious it is.

Who gets restrictive cardiomyopathy?

Restrictive cardiomyopathy. In this type, the heart muscle becomes stiff and less flexible, so it can’t expand and fill with blood between heartbeats. This least common type of cardiomyopathy can occur at any age, but it most often affects older people.

How can restrictive cardiomyopathy be prevented?

Other lifestyle changes

1. Quitting smoking.
2. Losing excess weight.
3. Avoiding alcohol and illegal drugs.
4. Getting enough sleep and rest.
5. Reducing stress.
6. Treating underlying conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

What you should know about restrictive cardiomyopathy?

Restrictive cardiomyopathy, the rarest form of cardiomyopathy, is a condition in which the walls of the lower chambers of the heart (the ventricles) are abnormally rigid and lack the flexibility to expand as the ventricles fill with blood.

Can restrictive cardiomyopathy be treated?

Restrictive cardiomyopathy is a chronic disease that cannot be completely cured. Treatment is focused on improving symptoms and slowing the progression of the disease.

What is the life expectancy of cardiomyopathy?

Life Expectancy and Survival Rates. 5-year survival rate for Dilated cardiomyopathy: about 50 percent of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy live 5 years once heart failure is diagnosed; about 25 percent live 10 years after such a diagnosis.

How bad is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?

Some people with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy may not have symptoms and will have normal lifespan. Others may get worse slowly or quickly. In some cases, the condition may develop into dilated cardiomyopathy. People with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy are at higher risk for sudden death than people without the condition.