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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Does cordyceps have an effect on cardiomyopathy?

Eating cordyceps has no scientifically proven therapeutic effect on cardiomyopathy. However, people with cardiomyopathy can appropriately consume some cordyceps without adverse effects on their condition. Moreover, cordyceps can regulate the body's immune ability and has certain anti-fatigue effects, which can still have beneficial impacts on the patient's health. Patients with cardiomyopathy should undergo long-term treatment based on their underlying heart disease. Different types of cardiomyopathy require different treatment measures. For example, patients with dilated cardiomyopathy need to be treated long-term with drugs that inhibit myocardial remodeling to improve prognosis. If heart failure occurs, treatment for heart failure should be given to improve the symptoms of heart failure.

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Is cardiomyopathy life-threatening?

Whether cardiomyopathy poses a threat to life depends on the severity of the condition. Mild myocardial damage, if detected early, diagnosed early, and treated with effective medications in a timely manner, generally has a good prognosis, poses no threat to life, and leaves no sequelae. Severe myocardial damage, due to lack of timely treatment, can lead to serious complications such as heart failure, arrhythmias, and cardiogenic shock, which can endanger life safety. Therefore, early diagnosis, early treatment, and prevention of complications are crucial treatment measures for cardiomyopathy.

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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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What is the prognosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?

The prognosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy varies greatly, and it is the primary cause of sudden death in adolescents and athletes because it can progress to end-stage heart failure. Additionally, a small percentage may experience heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and embolism, but many patients have mild symptoms and can have a life expectancy close to normal. For the treatment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, adequate sudden death risk assessment and ICD prevention should be conducted. Because hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most common cause of sudden cardiac death in young people and athletes, an ICD can effectively prevent the occurrence of sudden death. Preventing high-risk factors, including previous cardiac arrest, one or more sudden deaths in first-degree relatives, severe left ventricular hypertrophy, and findings of repetitive non-sustained ventricular tachycardia on a 24-hour Holter monitor, low blood pressure during exercise, and unexplained syncope, especially during exercise, poses a high risk of sudden death in these patients.

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Which department should I register for cardiomyopathy?

Cardiomyopathy is a common disease in our daily lives, characterized primarily by changes in the myocardium. After being diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, many patients often ask which department they should register with at the hospital. Generally speaking, cardiomyopathy falls under cardiovascular diseases, so registration should be with the department of cardiology. Cardiologists often prescribe a cardiac echocardiogram to diagnose myocardial diseases. Conditions such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or dilated cardiomyopathy require a cardiac echocardiogram for detection, which is the most commonly used examination for cardiomyopathy.