Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

What is Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a heart condition in which part of the heart muscle gets too thick. The condition can cause a dangerous and abnormal heart rhythm. It can also weaken the heart over time.

The heart is divided into four chambers. The thickening usually affects the pumping chamber on the lower left (left ventricle). HCM may also affect the valve that lets blood flow out of the left ventricle (mitral valve). Symptoms often begin at about age 30.

What are the causes?

This condition is usually caused by abnormal genes that control heart muscle growth. These abnormal genes are passed down through families (are inherited).

What increases the risk?

This condition is more likely to develop in people with a family history of HCM.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Symptoms of this condition include:

  • Shortness of breath, especially after exercising or lying down.
  • Chest pain.
  • Dizziness.
  • Fatigue.
  • Irregular or fast heart rate.
  • Fainting, especially after physical activity.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition is diagnosed based on the results of a physical exam that involves checking for an abnormal heart sound (heart murmur). Tests may be done, including:

  • An electrocardiogram (ECG). This test records your heart’s electrical activity.
  • An echocardiogram. This test can show whether your left ventricle is enlarged and whether it fills slowly.
  • A Doppler test. This test shows irregular blood flow and pressure differences inside the heart.
  • A chest X-ray. This test can show whether your heart is enlarged.
  • An MRI.

How is this treated?

Treatment for HCM depends on how severe your symptoms are. There are several options for treatment, including.

  • Medicine. Medicines can be given to:
    • Reduce the workload of your heart.
    • Lower your blood pressure.
    • Thin your blood and prevent clots.
  • A device. Devices that can be used to treat this condition include:
    • A pacemaker. This device helps to control your heartbeat.
    • A defibrillator. This device restores a normal heart rhythm.
  • Surgery. This may include a procedure to:
    • Inject alcohol into the small blood vessels that supply your heart muscle (alcohol septal ablation). This is done during a procedure called cardiac catheterization. The goal is to cause the muscle to become thinner.
    • Remove part of the wall that divides the right and left sides of the heart (septum).
    • Replace the mitral valve.

Follow these instructions at home:

  • Avoid strenuous exercise and activities, like heavy lifting or shoveling snow.
  • Make sure the members of your household know how to do CPR in case of an emergency.
  • Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
  • Follow a healthy diet and maintain a healthy weight. If you need help with losing weight, ask your health care provider.
  • Limit alcohol intake to no more than 1 drink per day for nonpregnant women and 2 drinks per day for men. One drink equals 12 oz of beer, 5 oz of wine, or 1½ oz of hard liquor.
  • Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco, such as cigarettes and e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
  • Keep all follow-up visits as directed by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

  • You have new symptoms.
  • Your symptoms get worse.

Get help right away if:

  • You have chest pain or shortness of breath, especially during or after sports.
  • You feel faint or you pass out.
  • You have trouble breathing even at rest.
  • Your feet or ankles swell.
  • Your heartbeat seems irregular or seems faster than normal (palpitations).
  • Your heartbeat seems abnormal.
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