Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a condition characterized by thickening of the heart muscle, impairing its ability to pump blood effectively. This thickening often occurs due to genetic mutations, particularly affecting the septum between the heart's lower chambers, known as ventricles. When the thickened septum obstructs blood flow, it's termed obstructive HCM; when no obstruction occurs, it's non-obstructive HCM. HCM can be hereditary. Symptoms may include chest pain during exercise, fainting post-activity, breathlessness, and irregular heart rhythms. Genetic changes play a significant role, sometimes leading to disarrayed heart muscle fibers, contributing to irregular heartbeats. Complications may include atrial fibrillation, blocked blood flow, mitral valve disease, dilated cardiomyopathy, heart failure, fainting, and sudden cardiac death.