Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and sudden cardiac death

Konstantinos I Stroumpoulis1, Ioannis N Pantazopoulos, Theodoros T Xanthos

  • 1Konstantinos I Stroumpoulis, Department of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research, Medical School, University of Athens, 11527, Athens, Greece.

World Journal of Cardiology
|December 17, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a genetic heart condition affecting the left ventricle. Early detection and interventions for HCM, especially in athletes, can prevent sudden cardiac death.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Genetics
  • Sports Medicine

Background:

  • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a prevalent genetic cardiovascular disease impacting the left ventricle.
  • While many patients remain asymptomatic, HCM can manifest with symptoms like dyspnea, dizziness, syncope, and angina.
  • HCM is a significant cause of sudden cardiac death (SCD), particularly in young athletes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the clinical presentation and management of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
  • To highlight the role of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and its treatment.
  • To emphasize the importance of preparticipation screening programs for athletes to prevent HCM-related SCD.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
  • Analysis of clinical manifestations, including symptoms and complications like SCD.
  • Evaluation of treatment strategies, including implantable cardioverter-defibrillators and surgical interventions for outflow tract obstruction.

Main Results:

  • HCM affects the left ventricle and can lead to serious symptoms and sudden cardiac death.
  • Left ventricular outflow tract obstruction is a common feature in symptomatic HCM patients, and its correction improves outcomes.
  • Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators are beneficial for high-risk patients.
  • Preparticipation screening is crucial for identifying at-risk athletes to prevent fatalities.

Conclusions:

  • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy requires comprehensive management strategies, including risk stratification and targeted interventions.
  • Addressing left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and utilizing defibrillators can improve survival in HCM patients.
  • Implementing standardized preparticipation screening programs is essential to mitigate the risk of sudden cardiac death in young athletes due to HCM.

Related Concept Videos

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification01:25

Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification

Cardiomyopathy, or CMP, is a group of diseases affecting the myocardial structure, impairing its ability to pump blood effectively. This condition can lead to arrhythmias, heart failure, or sudden cardiac death.Cardiomyopathies are classified into primary and secondary categories:Primary Cardiomyopathy refers to conditions involving only the heart muscle that are often idiopathic (of unknown cause) or genetic. They primarily affect the myocardium without the involvement of other systemic...
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy01:30

Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care01:29

Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care

Managing cardiomyopathy involves addressing underlying or precipitating causes, treating heart failure with medications, and implementing dietary changes and a balanced exercise and rest regimen.Lifestyle ModificationsCardiomyopathy patients should adopt a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid retention and manage heart failure. A personalized exercise and rest plan helps maintain physical fitness without overstraining the heart. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco is essential to prevent further damage to...
Imbalances in Cardiac Output01:26

Imbalances in Cardiac Output

The heart's primary function is to pump blood throughout the body, maintaining a balance between blood sent out (cardiac output) and blood returning (venous return). If this balance is disrupted, it can result in congestive heart failure (CHF), a severe condition where the heart becomes an inefficient pump, leading to inadequate blood circulation.
CHF can occur due to the failure of either side of the heart. Left-side failure leads to pulmonary congestion—the right side continues to send blood...
Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology01:29

Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology

Systolic Heart Failure and Compensatory MechanismsSystolic heart failure (also termed HFrEF, Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction) is the most prevalent type of heart filure. It results in a decreased volume of blood being pumped from the ventricle. The aortic arch and carotid sinuses have baroreceptors that detect reduced blood pressure, triggering the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to release epinephrine and norepinephrine. Initially, this response aims to boost heart rate and...