Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy causes the heart’s left ventricle to become increasingly thick and rigid, which can affect how well it functions. Because this condition is associated with very serious health effects, including heart failure, proper treatment is key.
There are two types of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: obstructive forms affect the wall between the left and right ventricle, which blocks blood flow between the left ventricle and aorta, while non-obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy does not obstruct the flow of blood. The condition often results from genetic variations that are passed from parent to child.
Most people with this heart condition do not experience symptoms. When symptoms of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy are present, they often include the following:
These symptoms often accompany physical activity and exercise. In some cases, they can lead to severe, sometimes life-threatening complications. Accordingly, these symptoms should be assessed by a medical practitioner as soon as they occur.
Treatment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy usually focuses on improving the flow of blood, which prevents the heart from working harder than normal to perform the same function. This can be accomplished with certain medications:
When medications are ineffective or symptoms of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy are more severe, doctors may recommend surgery.