The problem of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is common and affects people belonging to every age, while it affects both women and men equally. This is a prime cause of sudden cardiac arrest in a large number of young athletes. The problem of HCM takes place whenever muscular cells of one’s heart enlarge and cause thickening of left ventricle walls. Thickening of ventricle size blocks the flow of blood from it and it results in the severe condition of obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
HCM i.e. hypertrophic cardiomyopathy problem may even affect the mitral valve of one’s heart and causes leakage of blood in the backward direction from the valve. In some cases, thick heart muscles do not block the flow of blood from the left ventricle, referred as non-obstructive type of HCM problem. In this case, the complete ventricle becomes thick or thickening takes place only at bottom part of one’s heart, while affects the right ventricle.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Symptoms
You may identify the problem of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy based on following combination of signs and symptoms-
- Breathing shortness, particularly when you involve in any physical exercise
- Chest pain while doing any physical exercise
- Fainting, particularly at the time of or just after you complete with your workout
- Feelings/sensations of fluttering, rapid or pounding heartbeats, also known as palpitations
- Murmur of heart
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Causes and Severity
HCM or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy often takes place because of abnormal genes, also known as genetic mutations. These mutations result in the growth of heart muscles to abnormally thick. Even HCM patients have abnormal arrangements of heart muscular cells i.e., microfiber disarrays contributing towards arrhythmia in patients.
Severity in case of hypertropic cardiomyopathy varies largely. Most of the patients have a specific type of HCM disease, where septum or wall in between the two bottom heart chambers or ventricles enlarges and restricts the flow of blood out from the heart referred mainly as obstructive hypertropic cardiomyopathy. This type of HCM problem among patients is more severe.
On the other side, the problem takes place without causing any significant blocking in the flow of blood. Cardiologists call it nonobstructive HCM, as it causes the main pumping chamber of the heart i.e. left ventricle stiff and thereby, reduces the amount of blood to hold by the ventricle or the amount it pumped out towards the body with every heartbeat.
How Do You Prevent Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy?
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy problem is an inherited one, because of which you may not prevent it. However, it is essential for any patient to identify the specific condition at the initial stage, so that one may undergo proper treatment and bring certain lifestyle changes (including participation in sports) to avoid further risks and complications.
Participation in Competitive Sports: Patients dealing with the problem of HCM should strictly avoid their involvements in intensive exercises and competitive sports. A few patients may involve in low-intensity type of sports. However, it is essential to discuss with the cardiologist in advance to get the necessary recommendations.
Cardioverter-Defibrillator Implantation: With the advancement in the medical sector, cardiologists/cardiac surgeons have succeeded to come up with the necessary procedures to prevent sudden death of individuals because of HCM problem. Cardioverter-Defibrillator Implantation in HCM patients have proved to be helpful in the prevention of sudden cardiac death, which may take place in 1percent of individuals.
Heart-Healthy Habits: Practicing of various types of heart-healthy habits work and helps a lot to patients while undergoing with the treatment. One can achieve this by following a few important tips, as recommended by doctors-
- Maintaining a well-balanced and a healthy diet
- Putting limit in the intake of alcohol or avoid drinking any toxic completely
- Quit cigarette or tobacco smoking
- Stress management.
Also Read:
- Cardiomyopathy – Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment
- Restrictive Cardiomyopathy: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment
- Dilated Cardiomyopathy: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention, Prognosis
- What is the Life Expectancy Of A Woman Who Has Cardiomyopathy?
- How Is Dilated Cardiomyopathy Treated?
- How Long Does A Person live After Being Diagnosed With Cardiomyopathy?
- How Do You Fix Cardiomyopathy?
