Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)

Your heart is a muscle. Inside of it, there are four spaces, or chambers. If you have hypertrophic (hi-per-tro-fik) cardiomyopathy or HCM, your heart muscle gets thicker, making these chambers smaller. This may make it harder for your heart to pump blood out to your body.

If untreated or poorly managed, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can cause other serious conditions such as heart failure, dangerous heart rhythms, and even sudden death. So finding it early is key.

HCM is usually passed down in families (inherited). If you or a family member has been diagnosed with HCM, be sure to talk with your clinician about genetic testing and screening.  

Also, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. HCM is the most common genetic heart disease in the U.S. It affects at least 1 in 500 adults. But even more people may have it and not know they do.

As with any heart condition, it is important to take good care of yourself and follow your care team’s recommendations. Use this condition center to learn more about HCM.