Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

What is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (say "hy-per-TROH-fik kar-dee-oh-my-AWP-uh-thee") happens when the heart muscle grows too thick. The heart gets bigger, and its chambers get smaller. Many people have no symptoms and live a normal life with few problems. But in some people:

  • The heart doesn't get enough blood and oxygen, which can cause chest pain.
  • A fast, slow, or uneven heartbeat (arrhythmia) develops. In rare cases, this can cause sudden death.
  • The heart doesn't pump blood well, or it doesn't relax between beats as it should. In rare cases, this can lead to heart failure.

People who exercise often and hard may have changes in their heart muscle that can be confused with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This condition is called athlete's heart syndrome. It's harmless. When an athlete stops training, the heart will return to a normal size.

What are the symptoms of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?

You may not have any symptoms. Or you might:

  • Feel tired and short of breath when you are active.
  • Have chest pain. You may have a heavy, tight feeling in your chest. Chest pain is often brought on by exercise, when the heart has to work harder.
  • Feel dizzy or faint, often after you have been active.
  • Feel like your heart is pounding, racing, or beating unevenly (palpitations).

How is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy diagnosed?

Your doctor will do a physical exam and ask you about any health problems you've had and about any family history of heart disease or early and sudden death. You may need tests such as:

  • Echocardiogram.
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG).
  • Chest X-ray.
  • MRI.

Your doctor may refer you to a doctor who specializes in heart problems (cardiologist). Based on your symptoms, past health, and family history, the specialist can assess your risk for sudden death. People who are at high risk will need regular checkups. If you are at low risk for sudden death, you may not need to see your doctor often. But you will need a checkup anytime your symptoms change or get worse.

How is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy treated?

Many people don't have symptoms and don't need treatment. If you do have symptoms, your treatment will depend on what your symptoms are and whether you develop heart failure or an abnormal heart rhythm.

  • You may take medicines to treat symptoms such as shortness of breath and chest pain.
  • If you get a serious heart rhythm problem such as atrial fibrillation, you may take medicines to control your heart rate or rhythm and to prevent blood clots.
  • If you are at high risk for sudden death from a heart rhythm problem, an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) may be an option. An ICD is a small device like a pacemaker. It can prevent or stop dangerous heart rhythms.
  • If medicines don't work and your heart isn't pumping blood well, you might have a procedure to reduce the size of the overgrown part of your heart. The overgrown part can be removed with a surgery called myectomy. Or it can be reduced by injecting alcohol into the artery that supplies that part of the heart. This is called nonsurgical septal reduction, or alcohol septal ablation.

How can you care for yourself when you have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?

  • Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine. You will get more details on the specific medicines your doctor prescribes.
  • Do not smoke. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines.
  • Eat heart-healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and lean meats. Limit sodium, sugars, and alcohol.
  • Drink plenty of fluids (unless your doctor has told you to limit fluids).
  • Be active. Ask your doctor what level and types of exercise are safe for you. You may need to avoid strenuous activity.
  • Stay at a healthy weight. Lose weight if you need to.
  • Get vaccinated against COVID-19, the flu, and pneumonia.
  • Tell your family members that you have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. They may want to talk with a doctor about getting tested for this condition. Testing can identify it before it causes symptoms.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: When to call

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

  • You have symptoms of a heart attack. These may include:
    • Chest pain or pressure, or a strange feeling in the chest.
    • Sweating.
    • Shortness of breath.
    • Nausea or vomiting.
    • Pain, pressure, or a strange feeling in the back, neck, jaw, or upper belly or in one or both shoulders or arms.
    • Lightheadedness or sudden weakness.
    After you call 911, the operator may tell you to chew 1 adult-strength or 2 to 4 low-dose aspirin. Wait for an ambulance. Do not try to drive yourself.
  • You have severe trouble breathing.
  • You cough up pink, foamy mucus and you have trouble breathing.
  • You passed out (lost consciousness).

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

  • You have new or increased shortness of breath.
  • You are dizzy or lightheaded, or you feel like you may faint.
  • You have sudden weight gain, such as more than 2 to 3 pounds in a day or 5 pounds in a week. (Your doctor may suggest a different range of weight gain.)
  • You have increased swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet.
  • You have an ICD and you have signs of infection, such as:
    • Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
    • Red streaks leading from the cut (incision).
    • Pus draining from the incision.
    • A fever.
  • You have a sudden episode of a skipping heartbeat or a very fast heartbeat.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you have any problems.

©2011-2025 Healthwise, Incorporated

The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.

Walk-in services

Find a walk-in clinic

Same-day primary care services

Learn more

Onsite diagnostic tests

Find same-day care

Heart transplants

Learn more