Hypertrophic Cardiomypathy
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 also common, particularly when standing quickly, and fainting may occur.
Young athletes like Rick ''Tuggy'' Passfield who die during heavy exercise 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.