Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.
The Condition.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is an inherited disease of the heart muscle which leads to the muscle wall becoming thickened. HCM is the most common cause of sudden cardiac death, and takes two different forms; obstructive and non-obstructive. If a parent has HCM their children will have a 50:50 chance of inheriting the condition. Gene testing for this condition is now quite advanced, with the gene responsible for the condition being identifiable in two-thirds of cases. About 1 in 500 people in the UK have this condition; however, many of them will experience few - if any - symptoms.
Common Symptoms.
If you have HCM, you may have one or more of the
following symptoms:
Shortness of breath
Palpitations
Light headedness and fainting
Chest pains
Unfortunately, in some cases the first sign or symptom of a heart condition can be a sudden cardiac arrest. If somebody becomes unconscious and is not breathing, call 999, start CPR immediately and ask someone to go and get a defibrillator.
Common Testing.
It is important that anyone showing symptoms of HCM is referred to a cardiologist by their GP. The cardiologist will use an ECG, echocardiogram, exercise test and MRI scan to quickly identify if the patient is at high risk of sudden cardiac death.
How is it treated.
HCM is not curable, but there are a number of treatments available to control symptoms and prevent complications. For example, alcohol septal ablation (a procedure that uses injections and is non-surgical) can help patients with severe symptoms caused by the obstructive form of HCM. Other treatments include a pacemaker being implanted under the skin to control the heart rhythm, or an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) can be used if the patient is considered to be at risk of sudden cardiac death due to an abnormal heart rhythm
Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY).
Jay’s AIM supports the work of Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY). CRY holds cardiac screening sessions in locations all over the UK; these sessions are unique for offering an electrocardiogram (ECG) and an echocardiogram, when needed, on the same day. The sessions are free to attend for anyone between the ages of 14 and 35. Crucially, any abnormalities highlighted at a screening session must be followed up with thorough assessment and screening at an Inherited Cardiac Condition (ICC) Clinic.