Which finding is characteristic of restrictive cardiomyopathy?

Which finding is characteristic of restrictive cardiomyopathy?

• A. Systolic dysfunction
• B. Valvular regurgitation
• C. Diastolic dysfunction
• D. Aortic stenosis

Answer: (C)

Restrictive cardiomyopathy is defined by a stiff, noncompliant ventricle that fills poorly during diastole while systolic function is relatively preserved. That makes diastolic dysfunction the characteristic finding. The impaired filling raises filling pressures and leads to heart failure symptoms with preserved ejection fraction. This differs from conditions with primary systolic dysfunction (where ejection fraction is reduced) and from valvular issues like aortic stenosis or regurgitation, which are not defining features of restrictive cardiomyopathy.

Restrictive cardiomyopathy is defined by a stiff, noncompliant ventricle that fills poorly during diastole while systolic function is relatively preserved. That makes diastolic dysfunction the characteristic finding. The impaired filling raises filling pressures and leads to heart failure symptoms with preserved ejection fraction. This differs from conditions with primary systolic dysfunction (where ejection fraction is reduced) and from valvular issues like aortic stenosis or regurgitation, which are not defining features of restrictive cardiomyopathy.