HEART DISEASE

August 18, 2001 at 12:00a.m.

HEART DISEASE
About the afflication
Christine Steele, 15, of Hubbard suffered from restricted cardiomyopathy. She waited four months for a heart transplant.
WHAT IS THE DISEASE?
Least common of cardiomyopathies.Bad cells and proteins get into the walls of the heart, causing them to become stiff.In the beginning, the heart can contract but has problems getting blood because it doesn't want to expand.Blood starts backing up in the body because the heart won't accept it.Eventually, the heart muscle gets damaged and even contractions don't occur.
SYMPTOMS
Shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pains and palpitations.
TREATMENT
None.
Source: Boston University