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What is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?

What is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?

Top Doctors
Top Doctors editorial
Top Doctors
Created by: Top Doctors editorial Sources: Top Doctors CO
Edited by: TOP DOCTORS® at 22/03/2023

It is estimated that approximately 1 in 500 individuals with this disease. Its main feature is the presence of an abnormal thickening of the heart muscle. In hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the muscle is more exaggerated increase in cases of hypertension or prolonged physical training, and appears in the absence of a particular case.

The vast majority of patients inherit this disease usually transmitted from parents to children without skipping generations. Each child of an affected person has a 50% chance of inheriting the disease, which usually develops during adolescence.

 

What are your symptoms?

There is no symptom that is unique to detect hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and even many patients have no symptoms. However, the most common are shortness of breath, chest pain, palpitations, dizziness and loss of consciousness.

 

How is it diagnosed?

Diagnosis is currently achieved after an echocardiogram. Other tests aimed at assessing the symptoms, complications risk assessment, especially the risk of sudden death may be necessary, and select the most appropriate treatment (stress test, Holter ECG 24 hours, cardio-magnetic resonance, cath , electrophysiological studies, etc.).

 

What is your treatment and prognosis?

Treatment aims to improve symptoms and prevent complications. Although this disease is incurable, there are many forms of treatment available, which usually relieve symptoms. Many people do not need treatment. Although sudden death is the most feared complication of the MH, is a relatively rare phenomenon can be prevented in most patients. In the most exceptional cases, the implementation of an internal defibrillator (ICD) is usually recommended.

For most patients, the fact of having a cardiomyopathy does not interfere with their quality of life. It is always recommended to review by a cardiologist and follow some general tips and avoid physical exertion or strenuous competitive efforts.

 

 

Cardiology