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FAQ


  • The most common cause of sudden death in young people is Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
What is Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCOM, HCM) was first recognised in the late 1950’s. HCM is a disease of the myocardium (the heart muscle) in which a portion is hypertrophied (thickened) without any obvious cause. Symptoms vary from person to person the most common being Shortness of breath, Chest pains (usually brought on by physical exertion), Palpitations (rapid, irregular heart beat), Light-headedness and blackouts. some patients never have any symptoms and the disease can cause unexpected sudden death during or after excessive exertion.

HCM is a hereditary disease. It is a disease that can affect both men and women of any ethnic origin, but the condition is slightly more common in the black population (African / Afro-caribbean origin).

How is Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy diagnosed?


The symptoms of HCM are similar to those of other conditions and because of this certain tests need to be carried out. An electrocardiogram (ECG) records the electrical signals from the heart. If the patient has HCM the ECG usually reveal an abnormal electrical signal due to the thickening of the muscle and further tests may be carried out. Echocardiogram (ultrasound scan of the heart) is the is the unsurpassed test in the diagnosis of this condition. It is very similar to an ultrasound scan performed on pregnant women in which an ECHO produces a picture of the heart. The ultrasound together with equipment called a Doppler can produce a colour image of the blood flow within the heart and can measure the heart’s contractions and filling.

 


What treatment is available?
At present there is no cure for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. However there is treatment aimed at preventing complications and improving symptoms. Treatment can be obtained through drugs, specialised pacemakers, or in some cases surgery. To relieve breathlessness, palpitations and chest pains beta-blockers may be used.  Beta-blockers are widely used for other types of heart disease and high blood pressure and work by slowing the heart beat which reduces its force of contraction. For Patients with severe symptoms, who do not respond too well to treatment with drugs, surgery may be suggested.