If you have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), you need to take extra special care of your heart.
Even though many people with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy live long, fulfilling lives, this condition can cause serious complications. Having a health care partner who monitors your heart health and provides treatments when needed is important.
You’ll find this partner at Emory Heart & Vascular. We’re home to Georgia’s only clinic specializing in comprehensive, lifelong HCM care.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a condition that causes the heart muscle to thicken, stiffen and enlarge. This makes it harder for your heart to pump blood.
People with HCM have a higher risk of certain complications, including:
Most people with HCM were born with a gene that doesn’t work the way it’s supposed to.
Several genes influence heart muscle structure and function. If one of these genes is faulty, it can cause parts of your heart muscle to become too thick.
The genetic differences that cause HCM can be inherited, meaning parents can pass them on to their children. For this reason, HCM often runs in families.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy isn’t always genetic, though. For example, it can occur in people with uncontrolled high blood pressure. It may also be caused by heart muscle changes associated with aging.
Some people with HCM don’t have any symptoms. However, if your condition is severe or causes complications, you may develop:
If you have any of these symptoms, you should see your doctor right away. It’s important to confirm what’s causing your symptoms because HCM can trigger sudden cardiac arrest in people of all ages. This includes young people who are otherwise healthy.
Although there isn’t a cure for HCM, you can take steps to improve your heart health and reduce your risk of complications.
These steps include:
To confirm whether you have HCM or something else, your doctor will perform (or order) one or more of the following:
Your doctor will:
Your doctor will listen to your heart and lungs. They’re listening for certain sounds associated with HCM.
Your doctor will order one or more tests to check your heart structure and function. These may include:
Your doctor may ask whether you want to be screened for the faulty genes that cause HCM. If you do, they can connect you with a licensed genetic counselor. The counselor will coordinate genetic testing using a blood or saliva sample you’ve provided.
In combination with your imaging test results, your genetic test results can provide critical insights about your condition. For example, we can confirm which parts of your heart are affected by HCM. And by identifying which faulty gene you have, we can predict which symptoms it’s likely to cause.
If you have a genetic difference associated with HCM, it means other family members may have the condition without knowing it. Your parents, siblings or children may also want to consider genetic testing.
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