Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (also known as HCM) is the most common genetic heart condition. It occurs when a muscle in your heart thickens and makes it harder for your heart to pump blood.

HCM can be difficult to diagnose. It may take years for symptoms to appear, or you may have no symptoms at all. HCM can also affect people differently. If you or a family member has been diagnosed with HCM, you should know:

• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a genetic condition. There is nothing you have done to cause HCM.
• New medications like cardiac myosin inhibitors are revolutionizing how we treat HCM.
• Many people with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy live long and healthy lives.
• Genetic counseling is important if you or a family member have been diagnosed with HCM.
• The Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) Center at OHSU is the only HCM Center of Excellence in Oregon recognized by the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association (HCMA).

What is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?

HCM is a genetic condition that thickens part of the heart muscle. Usually this occurs in the septum, which is the muscle that separates the right and left sides of your heart. The thickened muscle makes it harder for your heart to pump blood.

When your heart can’t pump efficiently, less blood gets to your muscles and organs. This can cause symptoms like shortness of breath and chest pain.

Who gets hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most common genetic heart condition. That means that you inherited HCM from one of your parents and can pass it on to your children. You can also develop HCM without having any family history. It's estimated that one in 500 people in the United States has HCM. It affects people of all genders, ethnicities and ages.

You are more likely to be diagnosed with HCM if a family member has been diagnosed with it. That’s why we recommend genetic testing if you or a family member has HCM. Early detection and diagnosis may help prevent, delay or lessen some HCM complications.

HCM outcomes

It can be scary if you or a family member get diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. But most people with HCM live normal, healthy lives without significant symptoms.

Like many chronic conditions, HCM can be managed but not cured. The earlier we catch it, the easier it can be to manage your symptoms. If you have symptoms, your doctor will work with you to find the treatment option that’s best for you.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy symptoms

Symptoms of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy might not look the same for everyone. The most common signs are:

• Shortness of breath
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Heart palpitations
• Tiredness
• Chest pain
• Fatigue
• Fainting
• Brain fog
• Muscle pain

You might have experienced some of these symptoms for years before you get diagnosed. Or you may have no symptoms at all. Many patients don’t know they have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy until a family member is diagnosed with it.

Types of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Obstructive: Obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most common type. It occurs when the heart muscle thickens and prevents blood from flowing out of the heart. Two-thirds of people with HCM have this type.

Non-obstructive: Non-obstructive cardiomyopathy is less common. It occurs when the heart muscle thickens but does not significantly prevent the flow of blood. People with non-obstructive HCM may need less treatment than people with obstructive HCM.

Learn more about HCM

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a lifelong condition. Learning about ways to manage your symptoms can help you feel more in control.

• Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association
• Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Podcasts, American Heart Association
• HCMA Recognized Centers of Excellence, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association