By Family Features | Contributor
The notion of a vibrant student-athlete with a heart condition may seem challenging to grasp. While heart ailments are often linked to an older demographic, it’s essential to be aware that hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) stands as the leading cause of sudden cardiac death in young athletes, accounting for 40% of such cases.
According to the American Heart Association, approximately 1 in 500 adults in the U.S. is affected by hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, yet numerous cases remain undiagnosed. Alarmingly, over 80% of those who endure this condition do not exhibit any symptoms prior to experiencing sudden cardiac death. Although incidents of sudden cardiac death are infrequent, they can manifest during physical exertion or its aftermath. Therefore, it’s crucial for student-athletes and their families to acquire knowledge about this condition and consult healthcare professionals regarding their risk factors.
Over 80% of individuals affected by this condition show no signs or symptoms prior to sudden cardiac death.
With adequate understanding and guidance from a dedicated medical team, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can be managed through heart-smart practices that help prevent complications or the worsening of cardiovascular issues, such as atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat), stroke, or heart failure. The awareness initiatives and educational resources about hypertrophic cardiomyopathy for young athletes are supported in part by a grant from the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation.
Understanding Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is recognized as the most prevalent inherited heart disease, impacting individuals of various ages. It is characterized by the thickening and rigidity of the heart’s walls, which hinders the heart’s ability to fill and pump blood effectively.
There are distinct variations of this condition, with the most common type involving the enlargement of the septum, which separates the heart’s lower chambers, thus obstructing blood flow (obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy). Alternatively, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can present without significant blockage of blood flow (nonobstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy), where the heart’s primary pumping chamber becomes thickened and increasingly stiff, leading to a reduced volume of blood being pumped to the body.
Recognizing Potential Symptoms
Symptoms associated with this condition may consist of:
- shortness of breath
- chest discomfort
- irregular heartbeats
- extreme fatigue
The intensity of these symptoms can differ greatly. If you experience any of them or have a family history of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or sudden cardiac fatalities, it may be wise to consult your physician regarding the possibility of this condition.
Since this condition is hereditary, first-degree relatives such as siblings and parents should undergo screening.
For some individuals, symptoms may exacerbate over time, with new symptoms emerging, which can lead to a decline in their ability to participate in cherished activities. This reduction in functioning can be one of the most challenging aspects of living with the disease. Keeping your healthcare team informed about any new or changing symptoms enables them to collaborate with you in creating a management plan to alleviate impacts.
How is Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Diagnosed?
Diagnosing hypertrophic cardiomyopathy involves evaluating medical history, family history, physical examinations, and results from diagnostic tests. An echocardiogram is a common diagnostic procedure that examines the thickness of the heart muscle and blood flow dynamics.
If you have a family member diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, other forms of heart disease, or who has been informed of thickened heart walls, it is crucial to share this information with your physician and discuss the necessity for genetic testing. Given that this condition is hereditary, first-degree relatives, including siblings and parents, should also be evaluated.
For further information, visit heart.org/HCMStudentAthlete.
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