Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (Heart Disease)
Description
The heart muscle becomes abnormally thick (hypertrophied). The thickened heart muscle can block the outflow of blood and lead to a life threatening 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
A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests to determine the cause and the extent of the disorder will be done including an echocardiogram, Holter monitor, and MRI of the chest.
- CBC
- Chem 12
- Troponin
- X-Ray
- EKG
Treatment
Treatment includes: calcium channel blockers, beta blockers and anti-arrhythmic medications. An Implantable defibrillator (ICD) may be inserted. Surgery is 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)592-8573
Related Videos
Research
News
Since Congress declared October “National Sudden Ca...
If you're the parent or coach of a young athlete, y...
Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, has expanded its hear...
You've seen a lot of stories by other Midwest ...
Share Your Experience
Do you have experience with this disease? Do you or someone
you know suffer from Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (Heart disease)?
Please share you experience with other members of the iTriage community.