Cardiomyopathy (Restrictive) (cont.)
How is Restrictive Cardiomyopathy Treated?
Treatment of this condition is difficult. Treatment is usually focused on treating the cause of this condition. Doctors recommend lifestyle changes and medications to treat heart failure .
What Lifestyle Changes Are Recommended?
Diet. Once you have symptoms such as shortness of breath or fatigue, you should restrict your intake of salt (sodium) to 2,000 to 3,000 mg per day. Follow this diet even when your symptoms abate.
Exercise. Your doctor will tell you if you may exercise or not. While exercise is generally good for the heart, people with this cardiomyopathy may experience fatigue and shortness of breath, even with minimal exertion. Therefore, experts recommend that you take frequent breaks, exercise at a time of day where you have the most energy and start slow, gradually building up strength and endurance. Heavy weight lifting is not recommended.
What Medications Are Used?
Often, medications are used to treat symptoms and prevent further complications. To manage heart failure, most people improve by taking a beta-blocker , ACE inhibitors , and/or diuretics . If you have an arrhythmia , your doctor may give you Cordarone to control your heart rate or lessen the occurrence of arrhythmias. Your doctor will discuss what medications are best for you.
What Are the Surgical Options?
In some cases, surgery may be required to improve blood flow to the heart and if severe, a heart transplant may be considered.
Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Heart Center.
Edited by Charlotte E. Grayson, MD, June 2004, WebMD.
Portions of this page © The Cleveland Clinic 2000-2004
Last Editorial Review: 2/14/2005
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