New Study Reveals Higher Mortality Risk in HCM Patients with Specific Factors
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), affecting around 0.2% of Americans, is a serious heart condition where the left ventricle thickens, hindering proper heart function. While the cause is often genetic, its impact varies greatly among individuals. Recent studies reveal that patients with specific risk factors face a higher mortality rate.
HCM presents with symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, and heart palpitations. It's diagnosed using imaging tests such as echocardiograms, electrocardiograms, and cardiac MRIs. The condition is classified into two main types: obstructive and non-obstructive, each with distinct characteristics.
Risk factors that increase mortality in HCM patients include a family history of sudden cardiac death, severe left ventricular hypertrophy, unexplained syncope, non-sustained ventricular tachycardia, or abnormal blood pressure response to exercise. These individuals require closer monitoring and tailored treatment plans to prevent life-threatening complications like sudden cardiac arrest.
HCM is a significant health concern, affecting the heart through septal hypertrophy, mitral leaflet abnormalities, mitral regurgitation, arrhythmia, and relaxation abnormalities. While there's no cure, managing symptoms and preventing complications is crucial. Lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a balanced diet and engaging in low-intensity physical activities, can help. Early detection and understanding of individual risk factors are key to improving outcomes for HCM patients.
