Myths and Facts About Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Although doctors don’t always know what causes certain cases, typically people with HCM get it from an abnormal gene that codes for proteins of the heart muscle. Other things that contribute to a thickened heart muscle include high blood pressure, the athletic heart, or aging.

The word hypertrophic means “increase in bulk.” In HCM, the bulk happens in your heart’s muscle, especially the ventricles, or lower heart chambers.

Thick heart muscles in HCM can block blood flow out of the heart and they get stiff. When they’re not as flexible, they can’t pump as much blood in and out as they should.

Although there’s no cure for HCM, there are many treatments that relieve symptoms and improve your quality of life.

If you’re over 30 -- but have no symptoms of HCM -- and have a parent, child, or sibling with HCM, your doctor will recommend you have an echocardiogram and electrocardiogram every 5 years. If you’re under 30, you’ll go more often: every 1-3 years.

You can get HCM at any age, but most often doctors diagnose it in people who are middle-aged.

Because HCM is tied to an inherited gene, there aren’t steps to keep yourself from getting it. But with early intervention and treatment, you can help prevent complications.

As many as 1.5 million people in the U.S. have HCM.

One of the reasons HCM goes undiagnosed in many people is because they have either no symptoms or very mild symptoms. If the disease progresses, it can start to cause more symptoms.

HCM may cause a backup of pressure in your left atrium and lungs. That can make it harder to get a deep breath and leave you feeling short of breath.

Regular aerobic exercise like walking or swimming is generally safe. Low-intensity competitive sports are also reasonable for most people with HCM. Always talk to your doctor first before starting a new exercise routine.