Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, or HCM is an inherited disease passed on throughout generations, that involves a thickened heart muscle. 1 in 500 people have this heart condition in the United States and, unfortunately, there is currently no cure for it. The most common tests for HCM are electrocardiograms, which record the electrical activity of your heart, and echocardiograms, which portray the pumping action of your heart. Doctors also perform an exercise test, angiogram, or a MRI scan.
If you were to find out you had HCM, there are many different treatments. The decision on which treatment/treatments that would be used depend on your symptoms, and how your heart is affected. These treatments include:
-medicine: to help control your blood pressure, heart rhythm, and other symptoms that you may be experiencing
-a pacemaker: to control your heart rate
-an ICD: these are used only if a person is at risk of having a life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm
-defibrillator: delivers a strong shock to your heart if it ever stops beating again
-surgery: there are a wide variety of methods for this treatment option
These treatments are very beneficial for HCM patients, and the medical system used to treat it is very solid. But, the system is not consistent enough. That is why research is being conducted to create new technology and procedures, and continue the search for a cure. But this all starts with you. Since you now know about HCM, take the extra step, and get your heart tested to see if you have any heart conditions, including HCM. Take the time to inform people of this disease, and tell them about this website. Your efforts may save lives, even yours! Join the fight to stop the suffering that HCM has caused to so many families.
Keep Your Heart Healthy
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