What is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?
A person with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy has abnormal thickening in the heart muscle, which interferes with blood flow through the heart. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is an inherited illness. In most cases, the person is unable to tolerate intense exercise. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a leading cause of sudden death in athletes. Symptoms of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy usually develop prior to age 40.

What are the symptoms of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?
Early symptoms of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy include cough, weakness, and fatigue. Symptoms of worsening hypertrophic cardiomyopathy include leg swelling, weight gain, difficulty breathing when lying flat, increasing shortness of breath with activity, and waking in the middle of the night short of breath.

How does the doctor treat hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?
Treatment for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy may include regular exercise, a healthy heart diet, a low salt diet, and medications to improve heart function. Additional treatment may include a heart pacemaker and heart surgery. Some patients may be candidates for a heart and lung transplant.