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Heart diseases are increasingly prevalent in modern times. There is a rising incidence of sudden deaths occurring in people under the age of 40. There can be multiple factors contributing to this, with one of them being hypertrophic heart disease. It is a genetic condition that can cause sudden death in some cases. It causes the thickening of the heart muscles and only a few people will experience its significant symptoms. It affects about 1 in 500 people. If you have experienced a sudden death in your family (parent, sibling, or child) under the age of 40, inform your doctor promptly. Get regular monitoring of cardiac changes and assessment done for potential future treatment needs. Let's explore the symptoms, causes, complications and treatment options for hypertrophic heart disease in detail.
Synopsis
About Hypertrophic Heart Disease
Hypertrophic heart disease, also known as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), is a serious and life-threatening condition characterised by the abnormal thickening of the heart muscle. It can also cause:
- Mitral valve changes
- Cellular changes
- Left ventricular stiffness
- Changes in the heart's electrical system
This thickening can make it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively and may lead to various other complications. This condition increases the difficulty for the heart to relax and pump blood, requiring more energy and oxygen to work, especially while exercising.
Hypertrophic Heart Disease Symptoms
Some people with HCM disease show no symptoms, some feel only when they exert or exercise, while some may develop them over time, making it challenging to detect. Common symptoms include:
- Chest pain or discomfort, especially during exertion
- Shortness of breath, especially during exercise or when lying flat
- Fatigue or tiredness
- Heart palpitations (rapid or irregular heartbeat)
- Fainting or dizziness, particularly during physical activity
- Swelling in the ankles, feet, stomach, legs or neck veins
If you experience any of these symptoms or have a family history of HCM, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider immediately for early evaluation and appropriate management.
Causes of Hypertrophic Heart Disease
However, it is often caused by genetic mutations that result in abnormal heart muscle growth. There can be several other causes of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, including high blood pressure, ageing, or certain metabolic disorders. It often has a genetic component, which means it can run in families. You can inherit the gene for HCM from your parents and pass it on to your children. However, the expression of this gene can vary significantly within the same family. Some individuals may carry the gene but never develop symptoms of HCM.
Complications
As hypertrophic heart disease progresses, it can lead to various other complications such as:
- Heart failure
- Atrial fibrillation
- Ventricular tachycardia
- Ventricular fibrillation
- Blocked blood flow
- Mitral valve disease
- Sudden cardiac death
- Fainting or syncope
- Dilated cardiomyopathy
Diagnosis of Hypertrophic Heart Disease
Its diagnosis typically involves a combination of medical history review, physical examination, imaging tests and genetic testing to identify mutations associated with this disease.
The tests performed include:
- Echocardiogram (Echo)
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Cardiac MRI
- Blood tests
- Chest X-ray
- Cardiac catheterisation
- Genetic testing
Early diagnosis of hypertrophic heart disease can enhance the likelihood of successful treatment. So, it's better to get an evaluation done with your healthcare professional at the earliest, if you experience any changes in your health.
Treatment for Hypertrophic Heart Disease
The hypertrophic cardiomyopathy treatment options for hypertrophic heart disease aim to manage symptoms, prevent complications, and reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death. The common treatments include prescribing medications (such as beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers), surgical interventions (like Septal Myectomy or Alcohol Septal Ablation), and implantation of devices like Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators (ICDs).
Preventive measures
While some risk factors for HCM, like genetic predisposition, cannot be modified, certain lifestyle modifications can help reduce the risk of complications. These include:
- Avoiding strenuous exercise
- Limiting salt intake
- Eating a healthy diet
- Avoiding excessive alcohol consumption
- Managing chronic conditions such as high blood pressure with hypertension treatment, diabetes and sleep apnea
- Maintaining a healthy weight
Follow these points to keep your heart healthy and get regular monitoring done by a cardiologist to assess any changes in the heart.
Hypertrophic heart disease is a complex condition that puts you at a higher risk of sudden death, especially after some type of physical activity. It requires careful management and ongoing monitoring. With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, individuals with HCM can lead fulfilling lives by reducing the risk of further complications. Schedule a consultation with our expert team at Manipal Hospitals, Bhubaneshwar, to assess your risk and discover ways to enhance your quality of life. If you have been diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and are experiencing symptoms or have concerns, reach out to us promptly for evaluation and guidance.
FAQ's
Yes, hypertrophic heart disease can be inherited due to genetic mutations that affect heart muscle growth. It usually runs in the family.
While there is no proper cure for hypertrophic heart disease, still treatments are available to manage its symptoms and reduce complications. Its prognosis varies depending on the severity of the condition and response to treatment. With proper management, many individuals with HCM can live long and relatively healthy lives.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a genetic condition involving abnormal heart muscle thickening, whereas hypertensive heart disease is caused by high blood pressure leading to heart muscle thickening.
Strenuous exercise can potentially worsen the symptoms of hypertrophic heart disease in certain individuals. By increasing the workload on the heart it may lead to certain symptoms and complications. So, it's better to consult with our team who can provide you with personalised guidance based on your specific condition and recommend appropriate levels of physical activity that are safe for you.
To schedule an appointment at Manipal Hospitals, contact our cardiology department or visit our website.
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