Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) — a condition where your heart muscle thickens abnormally — affects about 1 in 500 people, yet many don’t realize they have it. While HCM can be serious, "most patients live normal lifespans with proper care," says Dr. Said Alsidawi, Director of Mayo Clinic’s HCM Clinic. Here’s what you need to know to protect your heart and thrive.
What Is HCM?
HCM causes the heart’s walls to thicken (hypertrophy), which can:
Stiffen the heart, making it harder to pump blood
Disrupt electrical signals, raising the risk of arrhythmias
Occasionally lead to sudden cardiac arrest, especially in younger people
🔍 Key Fact: HCM is often genetic. If a parent has it, each child has a 50% chance of inheriting the gene.
Symptoms to Watch For
Many with HCM have no symptoms, but others experience:
✅ Shortness of breath (especially during exercise)
✅ Fatigue or dizziness
✅ Chest pain or palpitations
✅ Fainting spells
⚠️ Emergency Signs:
Crushing chest pain + sweating/nausea (heart attack symptoms)
Sudden fainting
Severe breathing difficulty
If these occur, call 911 immediately.
Diagnosis & Treatment
Early detection is critical. Screening includes:
Echocardiograms (ultrasound of the heart)
Genetic testing (for families with HCM history)
ECGs & stress tests
💡 Good News: With treatment (medications, implantable defibrillators, or surgery), most people with HCM live full lives.
Exercise & Lifestyle Tips
🏃 Stay Active Safely:
New research shows vigorous exercise may be safe for some asymptomatic patients (after expert clearance).
Moderate activities (walking, yoga, tai chi) are great alternatives.
Avoid extreme sports or heavy weightlifting if symptomatic.
🧠 Mental Health Matters:
Anxiety/depression is common with HCM. Try:
Mindfulness & meditation
Support groups (HCMA (external))
Open talks with your care team
Family Planning & Screening
👨👩👧👦 For Families:
Genetic counseling helps assess risk.
Kids of HCM patients should start heart screenings at age 12, repeating every 1–3 years.
Relatives can get tested for the HCM gene (often covered by insurance).
"Screening saves lives," stresses Dr. Alsidawi. "If one family member has HCM, everyone should be checked."
Hope & Empowerment
While HCM requires vigilance, it doesn’t have to limit you. Many athletes, parents, and professionals thrive with HCM by:
Partnering with an HCM specialist (find centers via American Heart Association (external))
Prioritizing regular checkups
Balancing activity with self-care
For diet tips to support heart health, explore our guide on Heart-Healthy Eating (internal).
For Readers with ADHD 🌟
"Small steps lead to big wins." If managing HCM feels overwhelming:
Set phone reminders for meds/appointments.
Use a symptom tracker app.
Break tasks into tiny steps (e.g., "Today, I’ll call my cardiologist").
🔗 Helpful Resources:
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association (external)
Mayo Clinic: HCM Overview (external)
Meditation for Heart Health (internal)
📌"A strong heart isn’t just physical—it’s built on knowledge, care, and courage." 🌿
