General Information About Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is the abnormal thickening of the heart walls, particularly the middle wall called the septum that divides the heart into right and left sides, and the narrowing of the heart's internal volume as a result of a structural and genetic error.
It is entirely a genetic and hereditary disease. Due to mutations in the genes that determine the structure of heart muscle fibers, the muscle cells grow in an irregular and chaotic (hypertrophic) manner.
Many patients feel no symptoms for many years. When the wall thickens and disrupts blood flow, shortness of breath upon exertion (walking/running), chest pain, heart palpitations, dizziness, and sudden blackouts and fainting occur.
The thickened and disorganized muscle tissue disrupts the heart's electrical system. Especially in young professional athletes doing strenuous exercise, it can trigger fatal arrhythmias (Ventricular Fibrillation) and suddenly stop the heart.
It is suspected when a cardiologist hears a 'murmur' in the heart with a stethoscope or by abnormalities on an ECG. A definitive diagnosis and millimeter-precise measurement of the muscle thickness are made with Echocardiography (Heart Ultrasound) and Cardiac MRI.
Rhythm pills (Beta-blockers, etc.) that slow the heart rate and allow the heart to fill better with blood are the primary treatment. An Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) is placed under the skin in patients with a high risk of arrhythmia to protect the heart. If the wall is obstructing the blood outflow, the thick tissue is thinned down by shaving it off surgically or through an alcohol injection.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
