Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: What Is It?

Q: My husband is 69 and has hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. What causes the condition, and what is his prognosis?

A: In hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick, making it harder for the heart to pump. It is often caused by hereditary defects in the genes that control heart muscle growth, resulting in a reduced flow of blood in and out of the heart.
           
Although I don’t have enough information to discuss your husband’s prognosis, most people with this condition lead normal lives. Regular monitoring by a cardiologist is recommended because arrhythmias—abnormal irregular heartbeats—are common in people with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Arrhythmias can increase the risk of cardiac arrest, so it is vital that your husband visit a cardiologist regularly. Effective arrhythmia treatments can help him lead a long, healthy life.

See what hypertrophic cardiomyopathy looks like.

Jennifer H. Mieres, M.D., is director of nuclear cardiology at New York University. She’s also co-author of Heart Smart for Black Women and Latinas (St. Martin’s Press, 2008).