Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Description

A disease in which the heart muscle becomes thickened, also called hypertrophied.

Overview

With hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the thickened heart muscle can make it harder for the heart to pump blood. The condition usually is caused by gene changes that are passed down through families.

Symptoms

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy often causes few or no symptoms. But for some, it causes symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or fainting, mainly during or just after exercise. It also can cause fast, fluttering or pounding heartbeats.

Treatments

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy treatment depends on how serious the symptoms are. Medicines can help the heart pump blood better. Surgeries and implanted heart devices can treat the condition and its symptoms.