What describes the hallmark dysfunction in restrictive cardiomyopathy?

Restrictive cardiomyopathy is characterized primarily by diastolic dysfunction, which occurs when the heart's ventricles become rigid and are unable to relax properly during the filling phase. This rigidity prevents the ventricles from filling with blood adequately, resulting in increased pressures in the atria and pulmonary circulation. Consequently, patients often present with symptoms related to heart failure, such as dyspnea and edema, stemming from elevated filling pressures and backward failure.

In restrictive cardiomyopathy, while systolic function may appear normal or minimally affected in the early stages, the key issue is the impaired ability of the heart to fill with blood, highlighting the primary diastolic dysfunction. This distinguishes it from other types of heart failure, where systolic dysfunction may be more prominent, emphasizing the unique nature of restrictive cardiomyopathy as defined by its diastolic abnormalities. Understanding these mechanisms is essential for recognizing and managing this condition properly.