What is the most common first symptom of restrictive cardiomyopathy?

What is the most common first symptom of restrictive cardiomyopathy?

• A. Chest pain
• B. Syncope
• C. Exertion intolerance and fluid retention
• D. Palpitations

Answer: (C)

Restrictive cardiomyopathy causes stiff ventricles that fill poorly during diastole, so the heart can’t increase its output effectively during activity. Because filling is limited, exertion reveals the problem early: you get less reserve to boost stroke volume, leading to exercise intolerance and congestion from elevated filling pressures. That combination shows up as shortness of breath with activity and signs of fluid retention, like edema and weight gain, fairly early in the course. Over time, you may see more overt congestion, but chest pain is not typical as an initial symptom, and syncope or palpitations can occur later or with complications rather than as the first clue. So the most common first symptoms reflect both reduced exercise tolerance and early fluid buildup.

Restrictive cardiomyopathy causes stiff ventricles that fill poorly during diastole, so the heart can’t increase its output effectively during activity. Because filling is limited, exertion reveals the problem early: you get less reserve to boost stroke volume, leading to exercise intolerance and congestion from elevated filling pressures. That combination shows up as shortness of breath with activity and signs of fluid retention, like edema and weight gain, fairly early in the course. Over time, you may see more overt congestion, but chest pain is not typical as an initial symptom, and syncope or palpitations can occur later or with complications rather than as the first clue. So the most common first symptoms reflect both reduced exercise tolerance and early fluid buildup.