What is a common cause of restrictive cardiomyopathy?

Restrictive cardiomyopathy is characterized by the stiffening of the heart muscle, making it difficult for the heart to fill properly during diastole. One of the most common causes of this condition is amyloidosis. In amyloidosis, abnormal protein deposits (amyloid) are deposited in the heart tissues, leading to increased rigidity and impaired diastolic function. This process disrupts normal heart mechanics, resulting in symptoms such as heart failure and arrhythmias.

Other conditions can contribute to the development of restrictive cardiomyopathy, but amyloidosis stands out due to its direct impact on the myocardial tissue and the commonality with which it causes restrictive physiology. It is also noteworthy that achieving a diagnosis of amyloidosis may often involve specialized tests such as biopsy or imaging to confirm the presence of amyloid deposits. Understanding this link is crucial for medical professionals in both diagnosis and treatment planning for patients presenting with signs of heart failure.