By Family Features | Contributor
The concept of a vibrant student-athlete dealing with a heart condition may seem unusual, yet it’s crucial to recognize that hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a significant health concern among young sports participants. This condition is linked to 40% of sudden cardiac deaths in athletes, making it the most prevalent cause of such tragic events.
According to the American Heart Association, approximately 1 in 500 adults in the U.S. has hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, but many cases remain undiagnosed. Alarmingly, over 80% of those affected display no prior symptoms prior to experiencing sudden cardiac death. While instances of sudden cardiac death are infrequent, they can occur during or right after physical exertion. Hence, it is vital for student-athletes and their families to understand this condition and discuss their potential risks with a healthcare professional.
Over 80% of individuals who experience this condition show no signs or symptoms before sudden cardiac death.
With appropriate knowledge and the assistance of a competent medical team, managing hypertrophic cardiomyopathy through heart-healthy lifestyle choices can prevent complications, including atrial fibrillation (which can cause a quivering heartbeat), stroke, or heart failure. The American Heart Association’s efforts to raise awareness and educate athletes about hypertrophic cardiomyopathy are supported by a grant from the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation.
Understanding hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most common genetic heart disease, affecting individuals across various age groups. This condition is characterized by the thickening and stiffening of heart walls, impairing the heart’s ability to properly fill and pump blood.
This condition can manifest in different forms. The most prevalent type involves the thickening of the septum, the wall separating the heart’s lower chambers, which can obstruct blood flow (known as obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy). In contrast, nonobstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy occurs without significant obstruction, although the heart’s primary pumping chamber may still thicken and fail to pump adequate blood to the body.
What are the possible symptoms?
Symptoms may include:
- shortness of breath
- chest pain
- heart palpitations
- fatigue
Symptoms can range in severity. If you experience any of these signs or have a family history of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or sudden cardiac death, consulting with your doctor may be prudent.
Since this condition is hereditary, it’s crucial for first-degree relatives, such as siblings and parents, to undergo evaluation.
For some individuals, symptoms may intensify, with new symptoms emerging over time, leading to significant challenges and reduced capacity to partake in beloved activities. Monitoring and reporting any changes in symptoms to your healthcare team aids in developing an effective management strategy.
How is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy diagnosed?
A diagnosis takes into account a patient’s medical and family history, a physical examination, and the results of diagnostic tests. An echocardiogram is a commonly used procedure that evaluates the heart muscle’s thickness and assesses how blood flows from the heart.
If a family member has been diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, other heart diseases, or has been noted to have thickened heart walls, it’s essential to communicate this information with your doctor and discuss the possibility of genetic testing. Given the hereditary nature of this condition, first-degree relatives—parents and siblings—should also be evaluated.
For further information, visit heart.org/HCMStudentAthlete.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
