Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (heart disease)
About Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (heart disease)
The heart muscle becomes abnormally thick (hypertrophied). The thickened heart muscle can block the outflow of blood and lead to heart failure or a dangerous, unstable heart rhythm (arrhythmia). This disorder can be inherited. Sometimes patients do not have any symptoms with this disease until they collapse and die from an arrhythmia.Symptoms
Chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, palpitations, fainting, lightheadedness, shortness of breath with exercise.Tests & Diagnostics
A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests to determine the cause and the extent of the disorder may be performed including an echocardiogram and Holter monitor.Common tests: Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), EKG, Troponin, X-ray.
Prescription medications
Conventional treatment summary
Treatment includes: calcium channel blockers, beta blockers and anti-arrhythmic medications. An Implantable defibrillator (ICD) may be recommended. Surgery may be needed for severe cases. For more information contact the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute Health Information Center at: http://www.hnlbi.nih.gov or call (301)592-8573Medical specialties
Cardiology · Pediatric Cardiology
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (heart disease).