HYPERTROPHIC CARDIOMYOPATHY
Do you know the risks?!!
Do you know the signs?!!
H.C.M is usually caused by a defect in the genes that control the growth of the heart muscle. This causes the cells to become jumbled up instead of having their normal pattern. These changes may occur throughout the heart or only in a small part of it. H.C.M is a disease in which the walls of the heart become too thick and stiff. The thickening may interfere with the proper pumping of blood from the heart.
By a defect in genes, H.C.M often run in families. People of all ages can have H.C.M, but younger people aged 14-24 are likely to have a more severe form of the disease.
The most common symptoms are chest pain and shortness of breath with exertion. Dizziness is common, particularly when standing quickly, and fainting may occur.
Young athletes like Rick "Tuggy" Pasfield who die during heavy excercise are often found to have H.C.M.
An ECHOCARDIOGRAM is necessary to detect H.C.M.
If your child suffers any of these symptoms or you have a family history of early death from heart disease, you need to have your child tested.
H.C.M Tuggy Tournament Committee
