Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Signs and Symptoms
People with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) can have the following symptoms
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Fainting
- Palpitations or the sensation of feeling the heart beat
- Dizziness
A minority of people with HCM will suffer from the most serious complications, which include sudden death, heart failure and stroke. It is important to note that HCM has a wide range of severity. Some people may not experience symptoms and may have normal heart evaluations well into adulthood. Others may have serious complications at a young age, including heart failure or sudden cardiac death. It is difficult to predict whether an individual will have a mild form of HCM or a more severe form. HCM can be a major cause of death in young athletes who appear healthy but die during intense exercise.
UCSF Health medical specialists have reviewed this information. It is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or other health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your provider.