HCM Causes Thickening of the Heart Muscle
Most people with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) have a low risk for sudden cardiac death. However, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most common cause of sudden cardiac death in people under the age of 30 and for young athletes. This condition can be genetic, so if someone in your family has been diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, you should get screened.
Not all cases of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy are genetic, so if you have any symptoms or you’re an athlete, you should talk to your doctor about getting screened.
Patients from all over the Midwest come to St. Luke’s for our excellent treatment for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Learn more about what sets our specialists apart at the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Center of Comprehensive Management and Excellence.
Screening for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Your doctor will recommend an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG, a test that measures the heart’s electrical signals) and echocardiogram (echo, a test that uses sound waves to create pictures of the heart) to check your heart. If your results show that you may have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, you’ll need to see a cardiologist who specializes in the condition. Our specialists at the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Center of Comprehensive Management and Excellence are here to help you understand your treatment options.
If your test results don’t show signs of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, your doctor may recommend a follow up echo and ECG every three years until you are 30 years old and then every five years thereafter.
Sudden Cardiac Death Risk
Most people with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy have a low risk for sudden cardiac death. However, it’s important to identify your risk for sudden cardiac death so we can take steps to prevent it.
You may be at a higher risk for sudden cardiac death if you have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and have one or more of the following:
- A family history of sudden cardiac death
- A history of arrhythmia (an irregular heartbeat) with a fast heart rate
- An abnormal blood pressure response during exercise
- Several episodes of syncope (fainting) at a young age
- Severe symptoms and poor heart function
Your doctor will discuss your personal risk and appropriate preventive treatments to reduce your risk.