Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)

[TracyAdmin]

Today we are highlighting HCM Awareness Day. A genetic heart condition that is estimated to affect 1 in 500 people in the UK and 1 in 500 young people in the US, HCM causes the heart muscle (myocardium) to thicken. This can make it harder for the heart to pump blood out of the organ and around the body.

HCM can lead to irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias), including atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart block, or cardiac arrest.

Symptoms include:

• Chest pain

• Light-headedness and fainting (syncope)

• Palpitations

• Shortness of breath

• Fatigue

• Swelling in legs, feet, ankles and abdomen