The difference between dilated cardiomyopathy and restrictive cardiomyopathy

Written by Li Hai Wen
Cardiology
Updated on May 16, 2025
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The differences between dilated cardiomyopathy and restrictive cardiomyopathy mainly consist of the following two aspects: First, the anatomical differences: dilated cardiomyopathy is characterized by an enlargement of the heart, especially the left ventricle. Whereas restrictive cardiomyopathy is characterized by anatomical features such as narrowed or reduced heart cavities and limited ventricular filling. Second, the differences in symptoms: the symptoms of dilated cardiomyopathy are mainly characterized by those of left heart failure, such as exertional dyspnea, nocturnal paroxysmal dyspnea, and orthopnea. The main symptoms of restrictive cardiomyopathy, however, are manifestations of right heart failure, which commonly include nausea, abdominal distension, and peripheral edema.

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Can patients with dilated cardiomyopathy eat sea cucumber?

In general, if a patient is diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, it is advised that the patient actively treats and controls the symptoms, as this disease tends to recur. If the patient's cardiac function declines, sometimes it may be necessary to use some anti-myocardial drugs to treat this disease. In terms of diet, it is generally recommended that the patient follows a light diet, especially avoiding spicy and stimulating foods. As for sea cucumber, I personally recommend eating it sparingly, as sometimes it can have certain impacts on the human body. It is still advisable to adhere to a light diet, focusing on eating more vegetables and fruits, while also educating patients to improve symptoms through dietary exercise.

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Written by Tang Li
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How is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy treated?

The treatment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy aims to improve symptoms, reduce complications, and prevent sudden death. The methods include improving ventricular compliance by reducing outflow tract obstruction, preventing thromboembolic events, and identifying high-risk patients for sudden death. Treatment needs to be individualized, and the main treatments include the following aspects: 1. Medication treatment. Drug treatment is fundamental, and drugs targeting outflow tract obstruction mainly include receptor blockers and non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers. For patients with congestive heart failure, targeted treatment is required. Anticoagulation treatment is necessary for patients with atrial fibrillation, and it is worth noting that for patients with chest discomfort, care should be taken to exclude outflow tract obstruction when using nitrate drugs to avoid exacerbation after use. Non-drug treatments include: 1. Surgical treatment: For patients with ineffective drug treatment and heart function class three to four, if there is severe outflow tract obstruction, septal myectomy should be considered. Currently, surgery is listed as the preferred treatment for suitable patients in consensus guidelines in both America and Europe. 2. Alcohol septal ablation; 3. Pacing therapy.

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Written by Liu Yong
Cardiology
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Dilated cardiomyopathy clinical manifestations

Dilated cardiomyopathy is a type of heart disease characterized clinically by a significant enlargement of the heart, a marked reduction in ejection fraction, and a significant decline in heart function. Common clinical manifestations of this disease often present as heart failure symptoms, including chest tightness and shortness of breath after activity, nocturnal paroxysmal breathing difficulties, inability to lie flat, as well as swelling of the lower limbs and abdominal wall, and even conditions such as pleural effusion and ascites. Additionally, it may be associated with various types of arrhythmias, such as premature beats and tachycardia, especially ventricular tachycardia, which are all manifestations of dilated cardiomyopathy.

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Written by Li Hai Wen
Cardiology
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What should I do if dilated cardiomyopathy is causing insomnia?

Dilated cardiomyopathy causing insomnia needs to be treated based on the cause of the insomnia. First, if it is simply poor sleep quality causing occasional insomnia, no special treatment is needed. However, if insomnia occurs daily and affects quality of life, sleep-improving medications such as eszopiclone or zopiclone may be taken under a doctor's guidance. Second, if caused by worsening heart failure symptoms, which lead to nocturnal respiratory distress and affect sleep, resulting in insomnia, the treatment for heart failure should be intensified under a doctor's guidance, for instance, by increasing diuretic treatment or adjusting medications. Improving heart failure symptoms naturally enhances sleep quality. (If medication is required, please do so under the guidance of a doctor)

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Written by Li Hai Wen
Cardiology
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The difference between cardiomyopathy and coronary heart disease

Cardiomyopathy refers to a type of disease characterized primarily by organic changes in the myocardium, such as dilated cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and restrictive cardiomyopathy. These diseases are characterized mainly by pathological changes in the myocardium itself, forming a category of heart diseases. In contrast, coronary heart disease often refers to a type of heart disease caused by the narrowing of the coronary arteries due to atherosclerosis, leading to insufficient blood supply to the heart. Cardiomyopathy often manifests as damage to the myocardium, while coronary heart disease often manifests as blockage of the blood vessels. This is the fundamental difference between these two categories of heart diseases.