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In this Article

• What is hypertrophic cardiopmyopathy?
• What are the symptoms of hypertrophic cardiopmyopathy?
• What causes hypertrophic cardiopmyopathy?
• How is hypertrophic cardiopmyopathy diagnosed?
• How is hypertrophic cardiopmyopathy treated?
• What lifestyle changes are recommended to treat hypertrophic cardiopmyopathy?
• What medications are used for hypertrophic cardiopmyopathy?
• What surgical procedures are used to treat hypertrophic cardiopmyopathy?
• How can I prevent endocarditis?
• Find a local Cardiologist in your town
• Cardiomyopathy (Hypertrophic) Index

HCM can run in families, but the condition may also be acquired as a part of aging or high blood pressure. In other instances, the cause is unknown.

HCM is diagnosed based on medical history (your symptoms and family history), a physical exam, and echocardiogram results. Additional tests may include blood tests, electrocardiogram, chest X-ray, exercise stress test, cardiac catheterization, CT scan, and MRI.

Treatment of HCM depends on whether there is narrowing in the path that blood takes to leave the heart (called the outflow tract); how the heart is functioning; and if arrhythmias are present. Treatment is aimed at preventing symptoms and complications and includes risk identification and regular follow-up, lifestyle changes, medications, and procedures as needed.

• Diet. Drinking at least six to eight, 8-ounce glasses of water a day is important, unless fluids are restricted. In hot weather, you should increase your fluid intake. Fluid and salt restrictions may be necessary for some patients if heart failure symptoms are present. Ask your doctor about specific fluid and dietary guidelines, including information about alcoholic beverages and caffeinated products.
• Exercise. Your doctor will tell you if you may exercise or not. Most people with cardiomyopathy are able to do non-competitive aerobic exercise. However, your doctor may ask you not to exercise, based on your symptoms and the severity of your disease. Heavy weight lifting is not recommended.
• Regular follow-up visits. Patients with HCM should have an annual follow-up visit with their cardiologist to monitor their condition. Follow-up appointments may be more frequent when HCM is first diagnosed.

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