Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Alternative names:

cardiomyopathy - hypertrophic; hypertensive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy; idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis; IHSS

Symptoms:

• shortness of breath (dyspnea)
• chest pain
• fainting (syncope), especially after activity
• lightheadedness, especially after activity
• dizziness
• sensation of feeling heart beat (palpitations)

Additional symptoms that may occur

• swelling of legs, ankles, or other portion of the body
• abdominal swelling or enlargement
• decreased amount of urine
• need to urinate at night
• fatigue, reduced activity tolerance
• changes in mental status
  • decreased alertness
  • difficulty concentrating

• cough
• loss of appetite

Signs and tests:

Listening with a stethoscope may reveal abnormal heart sounds. Examining the chest by touching and tapping (palpation and percussion) may indicate enlargement of the heart or "double" heartbeat (bifid impulse).

Left ventricular enlargement with normal or increased contractility, and obstruction of blood flow may be shown on:

• echocardiography (most common test)
• Doppler ultrasound
• A coronary angiography may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.
• A chest x-ray may or may not show changes.
• An ECG may indicate left ventricle enlargement, arrhythmias, MI, and/or ischemic changes.
• A heart biopsy may be helpful to distinguish hypertrophic cardiomyopathy from other diseases.

Lab tests are not specifically diagnostic for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, but tests may be used to rule out other suspected diseases.