Hypertrophic
Overview Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy is rarely diagnosed because many people with the disease do not have many symptoms and do not have any problems living a normal life, so they do not think they have the disease. However, in some people with HCM, the heart muscle appears to tighten, which can lead to shortness of breath, chest pain, or problems with the cardiovascular system, leading to a lifethreatening abnormal heart rhythm, arrhythmia, or sudden death. In Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) Disease, heart muscle becomes abnormally thick (hypertrophied). Thickened heart muscle can make it harder for the heart to pump blood.
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Symptoms Below we have given you the signs and symptoms of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, one or more of which may appear simultaneously. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Chest pain, especially during exercise Fainting, especially during or after exercise The heartbeat, which the doctor hears while your heart is listening Increased heart rate, palpitations Shortness of breath, especially during exercise
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When to go to the doctor Shortness of breath and palpitations can occur for a number of reasons. Therefore, it is important to make an accurate diagnosis immediately and take proper care of it. If you have a family history of HCM or any symptoms related to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, you should see your doctor immediately. If you experience any of the following symptoms for more than a few minutes, be sure to call 911 or your local emergency number. 1. 2. 3.
Fast or irregular heartbeat Difficulty breathing Chest pain
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Causes The most common cause of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is an abnormal gene mutation. This causes the heart muscle to become unusually thick. In most people with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the muscle wall (septum) between the two lower chambers of the heart is thicker than normal. As a result, this thick wall can block blood flow to the heart. This is called obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. If there is no significant obstruction to blood flow. The condition is called non-obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This can cause stiffening of the main pumping chamber (left ventricle) of the heart. This prevents the heart from relaxing easily and therefore reduces the amount of blood that can be sent to the body by holding the ventricle in each heartbeat. Patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy also have an abnormal arrangement of heart muscle cells called myofiber disorders. This can lead to arrhythmias in some patients. www.cardium.in
Risk Factors Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is usually passed down from family to generation. If anyone in your household has hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, you have a 50% chance of developing the disease genetically. Parents or relatives of a person with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy should ask their doctor for a diagnosis.
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Complications Most patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) do not have HCMrelated health problems. But in the complications of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, it appears to be one of the causes. 1. Atrial fibrillation Thick heart muscle, as well as abnormal structure of heart cells, causes changes in the electrical system of the heart. As a result, the heart beats faster or irregularly. Atrial fibrillation can cause a stroke in your brain, which can lead to blood clots. 2. Blood flow blocked In most patients, tightening of the heart muscle prevents blood from flowing out of the heart, leading to shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, and fainting. 3. Mitral valve problems Thickening of the heart muscle prevents blood flow from the heart. As a result, the mitral valve between the left atrium and the left ventricle does not close properly. This results in no blood flow to the left atrium (mitral valve regurgitation), leading to worse symptoms. www.cardium.in
4. Dialated cardiomyopathy. In very few patients with HCM, the thick heart muscle becomes weak and ineffective. As a result, the ventricle becomes enlarged and dilates, thus reducing its pumping capacity. 5. Heart failure The constricted heart muscle can eventually become very stiff, so the heart can effectively fill with blood. As a result, your heart cannot pump enough blood to meet your body's needs. 6. Sudden heart attack death. Rarely, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can lead to sudden cardiac death in patients of all ages. Most people with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy do not know they have the disease. Sudden death from a heart attack can be part of the problem of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This can happen in the case of high school athletes, other young, active adults as well as even healthy young people. www.cardium.in
Prevention No restrictions for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy have been reported. However, it is important to identify the condition as soon as possible, so that the disease can be treated and thus avoid complications during treatment. If your first-degree relative - parent, or other close relative has hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the doctor may ask you to have a genetic test to diagnose the disease. However, not everyone with HCM currently has a mutable detectable mutation. Also, some insurance companies may not cover the entire cost of genetic testing. If a genetic test is not performed, or the results are not helpful. Your doctor may ask you to have a power echocardiogram test, if your family member has hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Adolescent and competitive athletes must be screened once a year. For those who do not participate in adult athletics, it is better to check every five years. www.cardium.in