Restrictive cardiomyopathy presents with which dysfunction?

Restrictive cardiomyopathy presents with which dysfunction?

• A. Systolic dysfunction
• B. Increased ejection fraction
• C. Diastolic dysfunction
• D. Valvular disease

Answer: (C)

Restrictive cardiomyopathy primarily impairs the heart’s ability to fill during diastole because the ventricles are abnormally stiff. This leads to diastolic dysfunction with elevated filling pressures, while systolic performance is often preserved, so the ejection fraction is not reduced and may appear normal. The hallmark is poor ventricular filling rather than a failure to eject blood. Valvular disease isn’t the primary issue here, and a problem with systolic contraction would present as systolic dysfunction rather than the filling dysfunction seen in restrictive disease.

Restrictive cardiomyopathy primarily impairs the heart’s ability to fill during diastole because the ventricles are abnormally stiff. This leads to diastolic dysfunction with elevated filling pressures, while systolic performance is often preserved, so the ejection fraction is not reduced and may appear normal. The hallmark is poor ventricular filling rather than a failure to eject blood. Valvular disease isn’t the primary issue here, and a problem with systolic contraction would present as systolic dysfunction rather than the filling dysfunction seen in restrictive disease.