Stiff Heart Syndrome

Known colloquially as stiff heart syndrome, this term refers to a group of disorders in which the heart muscle loses elasticity and becomes stiffer than normal. Because of that stiffness, the heart's chambers fill with blood with difficulty between each beat.

Common causes: It can be associated with the deposit of abnormal substances in the heart tissue, with inflammatory or scarring processes, and with other diseases that affect the heart wall.

Common symptoms: It is common to notice shortness of breath with exertion, swelling of the legs, fatigue, and a feeling of palpitations.

Which specialist treats it? The cardiologist is the one who studies how the heart functions and, when surgical procedures are considered, the cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon takes part. The most prudent course is to have any persistent symptom reviewed by a professional who can interpret it as a whole.