CVP and GI Pathology Exam 2 Practice 2026 – Your All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

Restrictive cardiomyopathy is defined by a stiff, noncompliant ventricle that fills poorly during diastole while systolic function is relatively preserved. That makes diastolic dysfunction the characteristic finding. The impaired filling raises filling pressures and leads to heart failure symptoms with preserved ejection fraction. This differs from conditions with primary systolic dysfunction (where ejection fraction is reduced) and from valvular issues like aortic stenosis or regurgitation, which are not defining features of restrictive cardiomyopathy.