Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Treatment Information
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a form of cardiomyopathy, a condition in which the heart muscle to become thick. HCM affects an estimated 600,000 to 1.5 million Americans, or one in 500 people. It is more prevalent than multiple sclerosis, which affects one in 700 people. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a genetic disorder typically inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion with variable penetrance and variable expressivity. HCM is the most common cause of sudden cardiac death in people under age 30.Thickening of the heart muscle (myocardium) occurs most commonly at the septum, just below the aortic valve.
The septum is the muscular wall that separates the left and right side of the heart. HCM usually presents at an earlier age in females than in males. Females with HCM tend to be more symptomatic and are more likely to be disabled by their symptoms. HCM may occur at any age from newborn to elderly. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is usually caused by gene mutations. It's thought these mutations cause the heart muscle to grow abnormally thick. HCM may be inherited, caused by an abnormality in the gene that codes the characteristics for the heart muscle. HCM my be acquired, the result of high blood pressure or aging.
About 70 percent of those with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy have some form of obstruction.Symptoms can occur at any age and may include chest pain or pressure that usually occurs with exercise or physical activity,Shortness of breath (dyspnea) and fatigue, especially with exertion. These symptoms are more common in adults with HCM. Syncope (fainting or passing out) affects about 15 to 25 percent of HCM patients. Medical therapy is successful treatment of this condition. The first medication that is routinely used is beta-blockade .Various other medicines called 'anti-arrhythmic' medicines are used to treat and to prevent arrhythmias.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Treatment and Prevention Tips
1. Fluid and sodium restrictions may be necessary.
2. 8-ounce glasses of water a day is important.
3. Take good care of your teeth and gums.
4. Warfarin may be advised if you develop atrial fibrillation.
5. Implantable-cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) may be needed to prevent sudden death.
6. Beta-blocker medicines , and calcium antagonist medicines (verapamil) are the mainstay of treatment.
The septum is the muscular wall that separates the left and right side of the heart. HCM usually presents at an earlier age in females than in males. Females with HCM tend to be more symptomatic and are more likely to be disabled by their symptoms. HCM may occur at any age from newborn to elderly. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is usually caused by gene mutations. It's thought these mutations cause the heart muscle to grow abnormally thick. HCM may be inherited, caused by an abnormality in the gene that codes the characteristics for the heart muscle. HCM my be acquired, the result of high blood pressure or aging.
About 70 percent of those with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy have some form of obstruction.Symptoms can occur at any age and may include chest pain or pressure that usually occurs with exercise or physical activity,Shortness of breath (dyspnea) and fatigue, especially with exertion. These symptoms are more common in adults with HCM. Syncope (fainting or passing out) affects about 15 to 25 percent of HCM patients. Medical therapy is successful treatment of this condition. The first medication that is routinely used is beta-blockade .Various other medicines called 'anti-arrhythmic' medicines are used to treat and to prevent arrhythmias.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Treatment and Prevention Tips
1. Fluid and sodium restrictions may be necessary.
2. 8-ounce glasses of water a day is important.
3. Take good care of your teeth and gums.
4. Warfarin may be advised if you develop atrial fibrillation.
5. Implantable-cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) may be needed to prevent sudden death.
6. Beta-blocker medicines , and calcium antagonist medicines (verapamil) are the mainstay of treatment.
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