How can hypertrophic cardiomyopathy effect an individual?

Sudden death: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a thickening of the wall of the heart ventricle. As the wall becomes thick the interior of the muscle is predisposed to ischemia or lack of oxygen. This in turn can potentially cause a fatal arrhythmia which is usually the case when athletes have a sudden death on the court or field. It can also cause problems with flow through the aortic valve.