Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Definition

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a condition in which the heart muscle becomes thick. The thickening makes it harder for blood to leave the heart, forcing the heart to work harder to pump blood.

Symptoms

• Chest pain
• Dizziness
• Fainting, especially during exercise
• Heart failure (in some patients)
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Light-headedness, especially after activity or exercise
• Sensation of feeling the heart beat (palpitations)
• Shortness of breath

Other symptoms that may occur are:

• Fatigue, reduced activity tolerance
• Shortness of breath when lying down

Some patients have no symptoms. They may not even realize they have the condition until it is found during a routine medical exam.

The first symptom of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy among many young patients is sudden collapse and possible death. This is caused by very abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias). Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a major cause of death in young athletes who seem completely healthy but die during heavy exercise.

Related Articles