Usually, all chambers are affected and lose some of their pumping power. It is characterized by a disorderly growth of heart muscle fibres, causing the heart chambers to become thick-walled and bulky. The distorted left ventricle contracts, but the supply of blood to the brain and other vital organs may be inadequate because blood is trapped within the heart during contraction. Fainting during physical exertion is often the first and most dramatic symptom of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Several world-class athletes have died suddenly during competition because of undiagnosed hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Restrictive cardiomyopathy is extremely rare.
In this disease, abnormal cells, proteins or scar tissue infiltrate the muscle and structures of the heart, causing the chambers to become stiff and bulky. Pressure in the heart rises, which eventually leads to congestive heart failure. All information provided at this site is to supplement that provided by your physician. Queries regarding your health and treatment should be directed to your physician.