Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, also known as HCM, is the most common genetically inherited cardiac disease. It is caused by a mutation in one of the genes for heart muscle protein. A person with HCM has thick heart muscle walls, which makes it harder for the heart to pump blood. Some people may not experience symptoms. Others may experience them later into the diagnosis or when they are exercising.
Symptoms include:
- Abnormal or fast heart rhythms.
- Chest pain.
- Dizziness.
- Shortness of breath.
Does HCM run in the family?
HCM is usually a genetically inherited disease. The severity can vary among family members. In occasional cases, it may even occur sporadically, with only a single family member being affected.
Knowing your family history and being evaluated with echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) and EKG can help determine presence of the disease. Genetic testing is readily available and can help detect the gene, even in young family members.
Treatment options
While there is no known cure for HCM, various medications are available to alleviate chest pain and reduce shortness of breath. In cases where medications are not effective, a surgical procedure called septal myectomy may be recommended. The procedure involves removing excess heart muscle to improve the heart's functioning.
To learn more about HCM and your risk, talk with your primary care provider and take our heart risk assessment.
