Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

ARTICLE SECTIONS

Introduction Signs and symptoms Causes Risk factors

Screening and diagnosis Complications Treatment Prevention

Introduction

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.

In most people, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy doesn't cause severe problems and they're able to live a normal life. In a small number of people with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the thickened heart muscle can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, problems in the heart's electrical system resulting in life-threatening arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most common cause of heart-related sudden death in people under 30. Fortunately, death and severe complications are relatively rare and researchers are exploring new treatment and prevention options.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy occurs in about one in every 500 people and affects men and women equally. The disease can go undiagnosed because many of those with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy have few, if any, symptoms.

NEXT:

Signs and symptoms