Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a heart condition often caused by genetics. That means if you or someone in your family has it, there’s a strong possibility that your children will also have it. You want to make sure your children stay healthy, but you don’t want to worry them unnecessarily.
At UVA Health Children’s, we offer the full range of pediatric heart treatment options. And our Cardiogenetic program can help counsel you and your family. That way you know your family’s risk and can protect their health.
What Is Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy?
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is caused by a thickening of the heart walls. When this muscle gets thick, it also has a harder time moving. This leads to problems with the rhythm and circulation. In almost all cases, HCM is partially caused by genetics.
If there is a family history of HCM, we’ll recommend genetic testing. But we also recommend genetic testing if someone in your family has died suddenly. Because HCM can be symptomless, some people may not know they have it.
Genetic Testing for HCM
Genetic testing lets us know that you’re at risk of developing HCM. When we know about this risk early, we can help schedule routine screenings. This lets us catch any changes quickly.
Many people who are at genetic risk for HCM will never go on to develop it or get any symptoms.
What Are The Symptoms of HCM?
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath (especially with activity or when lying flat)
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Fainting
- Foot and leg swelling
- Abnormal heartbeats (arrhythmia)
Many people with HCM never have any symptoms. Sometimes, in young athletes, the first sign is sudden cardiac death. Which is why regular screenings are so important.
Heart Screenings
We have several ways of screening your child's heart. These include:
- Holter monitors
- Echocardiogram (ecg)
- Stress tests
- Cardiac CT
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy ECG
One of the most useful tools is an echocardiogram. An echocardiogram lets us see how your child’s heart moves, and if any areas are becoming thick or stiff.
This is a powerful tool because it lets us see the problem before it causes any symptoms. With treatment, it’s possible to extend your child’s symptom-free time.
Cardiac Catheterization
If anything in your child’s heart screenings looks concerning, we may recommend cardiac catheterization. This lets us check the actual pressure and blood flow in your child’s heart.
Treatment for HCM
Depending on the severity of your child’s HCM, we may pursue one or several different treatment plans.
In all cases, lifestyle adjustments may be necessary. Sprinting and heavy weightlifting can put too much strain on your child’s heart. But there are many heart-friendly exercises they can still do.
There are also many generally good and healthy habits that will be especially important for them. Those include:
- Staying hydrated
- Not smoking
- Avoiding caffeine
- Keeping a healthy diet
- Staying active
Exercise therapy is one way that patients with HCM have used to improve their condition.
Medication for HCM
Sometimes HCM can be managed with medication. Some of the medications, like beta blockers, are safe to use for extended periods of time. And generally have minimal side effects.
But new medications are emerging that offer even better results. We’ll talk to you and your child about your treatment goals. That will help us recommend the best option for you.
Implantable Devices
In some cases, an implantable electronic device might be advised.
While some of these, like pacemakers, help keep your child’s heartbeat at a normal rate, others are there as an emergency measure. One of these emergency devices is an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD).
An ICD sends an electric shock in response to troubling heart inactivity. This reduces the risk of sudden heart death or cardiac arrest.