Description
The heart muscle becomes abnormally thick (hypertrophied). The thickened heart muscle can block the outflow of blood and lead to heart failure or a dangerous, unstable heart rhythm (arrhythmia). This disorder can be inherited. Sometimes patients do not have any symptoms with this disease; for some, the first symptom is sudden collapse and death from an arrhythmia.
Symptoms
Chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, palpitations, fainting, lightheadedness, shortness of breath with exercise.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests to determine the cause and the extent of the disorder may be performed including an echocardiogram and Holter monitor.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Electrocardiogram (EKG), Troponin, X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Echocardiogram, transesophageal echocardiogram, Heart MRI, cardiac catheterization, Holter monitor
Specialists:
Cardiology, Pediatric Cardiology
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests to determine the cause and the extent of the disorder may be performed including an echocardiogram and Holter monitor.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Electrocardiogram (EKG), Troponin, X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Echocardiogram, transesophageal echocardiogram, Heart MRI, cardiac catheterization, Holter monitor
Specialists:
Cardiology, Pediatric Cardiology
Treatment
Treatment includes: calcium channel blockers, beta blockers and anti-arrhythmic medications. An Implantable defibrillator (ICD) may be recommended. Surgery may be needed for severe cases.