A 40-year-old member asked:
what is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?
3 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Luis Villaplanaanswered
Internal Medicine 35 years experience
IT IS A DISEASE OF: Your heart musclein which a part of the heart muscle is thickened or hypertrophied without any obvious cause.
It is better known for causing silent, sudden cardiac death in otherwise healthy young people and athletes.
Younger people are likely to have a more severe form of hcm.
It is frequently free of symptoms until sudden cardiac death, and for this reason some suggest screening these youngsters.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Barton Cookanswered
Pediatric Cardiology 31 years experience
HCM: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a condition in which the heart muscle becomes thick, and obstruction to outflow may occur. Arrhythmias may occur as well. It is commonly inherited, first degree relatives should be screened. Patients may have severe symptoms, or no symptoms at all. It is a common cause of death in young athletes who seemed completely healthy.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. William Scottanswered
Pediatric Cardiology 39 years experience
Complete evaluation: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is potentially dangerous, but very manageable. A complete assessment by a physician who is well versed in the condition is very important. Until that evaluation occurs, you should avoid overly stressful activities such as competitive sports. Symptoms of palpitations, dizziness or fainting warrant a more urgent assessment.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years agoMerged
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A 35-year-old member asked:
Can you describe hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Mark Milunskianswered
Cardiology 37 years experience
HCM: Hcm is an abnormal thickening usually of the wall (septum) that divides the right and left ventricle. This thickening occurs in the absence of other diseases known to cause thickening of the heart muscle. It is relatively uncommon but occurs in a familial/hereditary form more than 50% of the time. Therefore, siblings and children of patients with hcm should be screened for it.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Why is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy dangerous?
3 doctor answers • 8 doctors weighed in
Dr. William Scottanswered
Pediatric Cardiology 39 years experience
Risk of death: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the leading cause of death among young athletes. Further, individuals with this condition are at risk for sudden death even if they do not participate in sports.
6.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
What is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (hcm)?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. James Chenanswered
Sports Medicine 15 years experience
HCM: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a rare condition of the actual muscle of the heart becoming so large and thick as to obstruct outgoing blood flow. Because outgoing flow is reduced the heart must work even harder to pump blood to supply oxygen to the body. It is notable because patients are usually asymptomatic but can initially present with sudden collapse or even death.
6.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 29-year-old member asked:
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy -- is it fatal?
2 doctor answers • 8 doctors weighed in
Dr. Peter Vargaanswered
Pediatric Cardiology 41 years experience
Preventable: Hcm is caused by one of 20 genetic mutations. Some are mild and may take a long time to be recognized. Others are malignant and lead to fatal arrhythmia early on. People performing strenous cativity(athletes) may be particularly at risk.
If there are risk factors such as family history, you should be evalated by a qualified cardiologist. Once diagnosed, sudden death can usually be prevented.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy serious?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. William Scottanswered
Pediatric Cardiology 39 years experience
Yes: Among young individuals, it is one of the leading causes of sudden death. A complete assessment by a cardiologist familiar with the condition can identify and recommend treatemtnto reduce the risk of sudden death.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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Last updated Oct 18, 2017
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