Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a condition in which the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick, making it harder for the heart to pump blood. It's often inherited and can affect people of any age.

Causes:

  • Genetic Mutations: HCM is typically inherited as an autosomal dominant trait.

  • Unknown Causes: In some cases, the cause isn't identifiable.

Signs and Symptoms:

  • Shortness of Breath, especially during exercise.

  • Chest Pain, particularly during physical exertion.

  • Heart Palpitations: Rapid, fluttering, or pounding heartbeats.

  • Fainting, especially during or just after exercise or exertion.

  • Fatigue.

  • Dizziness or Lightheadedness.

  • Swelling in the Ankles, Feet, Legs, Abdomen, or Veins in the Neck.

Treatment:

  1. Medications:
    • Beta-Blockers: To slow the heart rate and reduce the force of heart contractions.

    • Calcium Channel Blockers: To relax the heart muscle and reduce the severity of the obstruction.

    • Antiarrhythmic Drugs: For managing irregular heart rhythms.

    • Blood Thinners (Anticoagulants): To prevent blood clots in people with atrial fibrillation.

  2. Surgical and Other Procedures:
    • Septal Myectomy: Open-heart surgery to remove part of the thickened septum.

    • Alcohol Septal Ablation: A less invasive procedure where alcohol is injected into the heart to reduce the thickened muscle.

    • Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD): For those at risk of sudden cardiac death.

Examinations and Tests:

  1. Echocardiogram: The primary tool for diagnosing HCM.

  2. Electrocardiogram (ECG): To record the electrical activity of the heart.

  3. MRI of the Heart: For detailed imaging of the heart's structure.

  4. Holter Monitor: A portable ECG device worn for a day or more to record the heart's activity over time.

  5. Exercise Stress Test: To monitor the heart during physical activity.

  6. Genetic Testing: Recommended for family members since HCM is often inherited.

It's important for individuals with HCM to have regular check-ups with a cardiologist. While many people with HCM have no symptoms or only mild symptoms and live a normal life, others may have significant health problems. The condition can increase the risk of sudden cardiac arrest, particularly in younger people and athletes. Those with HCM should discuss with their doctor which activities and sports are safe for them to participate in.