When it comes to cardiovascular health, heart attacks often take center stage in the conversation.
However, there’s another heart condition lurking in the shadows - one that frequently goes undiagnosed but can be just as deadly.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a genetic disorder that impacts the heart muscle, and it could be quietly affecting you or a loved one without anyone knowing.
The Hidden Risk of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Each year, heart attacks account for around 805,000 deaths in the United States.
Yet, a far lesser-known condition, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, is quietly claiming lives, especially among younger, seemingly healthy individuals, per the New York Post.
HCM has earned the title of a "silent killer" due to its ability to remain undetected, even as it progresses to serious, sometimes fatal complications.
HCM affects roughly 1 in 500 people, causing the heart muscle to thicken and stiffen.
This condition makes it harder for the heart to pump blood efficiently, which can lead to serious issues like heart failure, arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), and even sudden cardiac arrest.
Tragically, many people with HCM may not know they have it until it’s too late.
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A Family History Could Be a Clue
If you’ve lost a family member before the age of 40, especially with no clear cause, it may be worth discussing hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with your doctor.
A child of someone with HCM has a 50% chance of inheriting the condition, making it a significant concern for those with a family history of heart issues.
Although symptoms of HCM can often go unnoticed, they can be life-threatening, especially in younger individuals who might not experience noticeable symptoms before sudden death.
Despite being the most common inherited heart disease, HCM remains largely underdiagnosed. According to the Heart Failure Society of America, only 100,000 people have been officially diagnosed, while an estimated 85% of those with the condition may be unaware they have it.
Understanding the Genetic Mystery Behind HCM
Though hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is an inherited condition, the precise cause remains somewhat elusive.
Dr. Theodore Abraham, an echocardiographer at UCSF Health, explains: “Although genotyping is important, it’s not the full story for HCM. For half of the people with severe HCM, we haven’t found the causative gene. And just because the gene is present doesn’t mean you have the disease.”
This genetic complexity makes HCM particularly tricky to detect and diagnose, even for those with a family history of heart disease.
Without clear genetic markers, doctors can struggle to pinpoint the condition until it has progressed significantly.
When Standard Tests Miss the Mark
For years, many people with HCM have been told they were perfectly healthy after undergoing routine heart ultrasounds, or echocardiograms.
Dr. Abraham recalls: “Before, patients with HCM and other forms of heart disease would come in, get an echo and often be told, ‘You have nothing wrong — I’ve looked at your echo and it looks great.'”
Unfortunately, this often led to misdiagnoses, and patients wouldn’t learn the truth about their condition until much later. “They’d come back 10 years later and be in really bad shape,” he adds.
It’s not uncommon for patients with HCM to live with the condition for years, or even decades, before experiencing noticeable symptoms or complications.
This is why early diagnosis is so critical for effective treatment and prevention of heart failure or other life-threatening issues.
Know the Signs and Symptoms of HCM
Although many people with HCM may not show symptoms, there are warning signs that could indicate a potential problem.
Individuals should pay attention to unexplained fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting, or swelling in the feet and ankles.
If you have a family history of heart issues, especially conditions like heart failure, stroke, or heart attacks, you may be at greater risk for developing HCM yourself.
Those with family members who have had an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) or pacemaker should also consider getting checked.
How to Manage and Monitor HCM
While there is no specific medication to treat hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the condition can still be managed. Regular visits to a cardiologist are key to monitoring the progression of the disease, and patients may benefit from light to moderate physical activity.
These measures can help keep symptoms in check and ensure the heart remains as healthy as possible.
In short, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a serious condition that often flies under the radar.
Early detection and management are essential for minimizing risks and preventing potentially fatal outcomes.
If you suspect you might have HCM or have a family history of heart disease, it’s worth discussing with your doctor to stay ahead of any potential issues and safeguard your heart health.