Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), the Misunderstood Heart Condition

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy is a heart condition in which there is an excessive thickening of the heart muscle. This thickening occurs without any obvious reason and can cause sudden death in some individuals.

What is frustrating about HCM (this is what Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy is commonly referred to as) is that it is often misdiagnosed as a sign of athletically induced asthma due to similar symptoms. Many doctors, even cardiologists, are not familiar with this type of cardiomyopathy, and often patients are told that it is no big deal. In fact, it is a huge deal! A deal that could cost you your life should you have it and not control it properly.

There are many symptoms of HCM. Shortness of breath is a very common symptom, which may be why many doctors assume exercise induced asthma is the culprit. Many people with HCM often become short of breath during exercise or any type of exertion. Most people with HCM may have some limits in the amount of exercise they can do, while others may have it so severe that they have shortness of breath even while resting.

Chest Pain is another common symptom of HCM. The chest pain is thought to happen because there isn’t enough oxygen getting to the myocardium. The heart muscle is so thick due to HCM that the increased oxygen that is needed isn’t getting to where it needs to go.

Many people diagnosed with HCM have experienced heart palpitations at one time or another. Having your heart miss a beat or beat an extra beat can be normal. However, it can also be a symptom of HCM and needs to be checked by a doctor, especially if the palpitations occur with sweating and light-headedness. Light-headedness and blackouts are another symptom of HCM and should not be ignored. Many of these episodes occur during exercise, but they can also occur for no reason at all. Fainting and light-headedness need to be checked by a doctor immediately.