Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

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Illustration showing hypertrophic cardiomyopathy Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a disease in which the heart muscle (myocardium) becomes abnormally thick — or hypertrophied. This thickened heart muscle can make it harder for the heart to pump blood. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy may also affect the heart's electrical system.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy often goes undiagnosed, because many of those with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy have few, if any, symptoms. In a small number of people with this condition, the thickened heart muscle can cause signs and symptoms, such as shortness of breath and problems in the heart's electrical system resulting in life-threatening abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias).

Fortunately, people with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy often lead normal lives with no significant problems.

Symptoms

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  • Cardiomyopathy
References
  1. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. American Heart Association. http://www.heart.org/idc/groups/heart-public/@wcm/@hcm/documents/downloadable/ucm_312225.pdf. Accessed Dec. 7, 2010.
  2. Elliot PM. Clinical manifestations of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 7, 2010.
  3. Gemignani AS, et al. Cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2011: Instant Diagnosis and Treatment. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2011. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/page.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05610-6..00012-3--sc23005&isbn=978-0-323-05610-6&type=bookPage&sectionEid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05610-6..00012-3--sc23005&uniqId=228752326-3. Accessed Dec. 7, 2010.
  4. Maron BJ. The 2009 International Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Summit. The American Journal of Cardiology. 2010;105:1164.
  5. Elliot PM. Diagnosis and evaluation of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 7, 2010.
  6. Maron BJ. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Circulation. 2002; 106:2419.
  7. Grogan M (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dec. 12, 2010.
DS00948 Sept. 7, 2012

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