Which statement best describes restrictive cardiomyopathy?

Which statement best describes restrictive cardiomyopathy?

• A. Diastolic dysfunction
• B. Systolic dysfunction
• C. Conduction block
• D. Pulmonary hypertension

Answer: (A)

Restrictive cardiomyopathy is defined by impaired ventricular filling due to a stiff, noncompliant ventricle. The primary problem is diastolic dysfunction—the ventricle cannot expand properly during early diastole, so filling is restricted and filling pressures rise. Systolic function is often preserved early on, which is why the correct description emphasizes diastolic dysfunction rather than failure of contraction. In practice, this diastolic impairment leads to signs of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and characteristic filling patterns on hemodynamics or imaging. Conduction blocks and pulmonary hypertension can occur in related contexts, but they are not the defining feature of restrictive cardiomyopathy.

Restrictive cardiomyopathy is defined by impaired ventricular filling due to a stiff, noncompliant ventricle. The primary problem is diastolic dysfunction—the ventricle cannot expand properly during early diastole, so filling is restricted and filling pressures rise. Systolic function is often preserved early on, which is why the correct description emphasizes diastolic dysfunction rather than failure of contraction. In practice, this diastolic impairment leads to signs of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and characteristic filling patterns on hemodynamics or imaging. Conduction blocks and pulmonary hypertension can occur in related contexts, but they are not the defining feature of restrictive cardiomyopathy.