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Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a primary disease of the myocardium (the muscle of the heart) in which a portion of the myocardium ishypertrophied (thickened) without any obvious cause. It is perhaps best known as a leading cause of sudden cardiac death in young athletes.[7] The occurrence of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a significant cause of sudden unexpected cardiac death in any age group and as a cause of disabling cardiac symptoms. Younger people are likely to have a more severe form of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
HCM is frequently asymptomatic until sudden cardiac death, and for this reason some suggest routinely screening certain populations for …show more content…

Beta blockers are considered first-line agents, as they can slow down the heart rate. For patients who cannot tolerate beta blockers or do not have good control of symptoms with beta blockers, nondihydropiridine calcium channel blockers such as verapamil can be used. These medications also decrease the heart rate, though their use in patients with severe outflow obstruction, elevated pulmonary artery wedge pressure and low blood pressures should be done with caution. Dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers should be avoided in patients with evidence of obstruction. For patients who continue to have symptoms despite the above treatments, disopyramide can be considered for further symptom relief. Diuretics can be considered for patients with evidence of fluid overload, though cautiously used in those with evidence of obstruction. Patients who continue to have symptoms despite drug therapy can consider more invasive therapies.[37]
Surgical myectomy [edit]
Surgical septal myectomy is an open heart operation done to relieve symptoms in patients who remain severely symptomatic despite medical therapy.[2][3][5][6][38][39] It has been performed successfully for more than 25 years. Surgical septal myectomy uniformly decreases left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and improves symptoms, and in experienced centers has a