Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy By Mark Schreiber
What is Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy? Disease of the heart muscle Also known as HCM Mutation of one out of a number of genes Affects 1 in 500 people Famous for being leading cause of sudden cardiac death in young athletes
How does HCM affect the body? Enlarges the heart septum Enlarged septum narrows left ventricle outflow tract Blood becomes unable to reach the rest of the body Ventricular and electrical functions are disrupted
What are the symptoms of HCM? Some patients don’t have symptoms Symptoms include Shortness of breath Fatigue Fainting Irregular heart beat Uncomfortable awareness of heart beat Chest pain Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD)
Who can get HCM? HCM is genetic Anyone can get HCM Heart septum usually doesn’t enlarge until adolescents
How is HCM diagnosed? Echocardiography (ultrasound of heart) Electrocardiogram Exercise Test
What are the cures and treatments for HCM? Medication (Beta-Blockers and Calcium Channel Blockers) Medication slows heart rate which improves heart functions Surgery of heart ICD (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator) Catheter Septal Ablation Alcohol kills heart muscle Therefore, enlarged septum shrinks to normal size, which improves heart functions
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