The heart is one of the most vital organs of the human body. Various diseases can negatively affect our heart health. One of these negativities is the thickening of the heart muscle-wall. So, what is heart muscle-wall thickening (Cardiomyopathy)? What are the diagnosis and treatment methods?
Use your blood pressure medications regularly to prevent heart wall thickening.
Heart wall thickening is a condition that refers to abnormal changes in the structure of the heart muscle. This pathological condition can disrupt the normal functioning of the heart muscle, affecting basic functions such as rhythmic work and efficient blood pumping. The most common conditions in which heart wall thickening is seen are hypertension and cardiomyopathies. Uncontrolled hypertension leads to thickening of the heart wall and subsequent heart failure. Therefore, in order to be protected from the negative effects of high blood pressure, blood pressure medication should be used regularly and blood pressure should not be allowed to rise.
What is heart wall thickening (Cardiomyopathy)?
Cardiomyopathy refers to a group of diseases associated with structural and functional disorders of the heart muscle. This condition is characterized by a thickening of the heart walls and often negatively affects the structure and functions of the heart muscle. Thickening of the heart wall can make it difficult for the heart to pump blood effectively, thus causing serious effects on the cardiovascular system.
What are the types and characteristics of cardiomyopathy?
The World Health Organization classifies cardiomyopathies into 5 main types:[1]
- Dilated Cardiomyopathy: Dilated cardiomyopathy is characterized by dilation of the heart ventricles and decreased contractile performance.
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: This type is characterized by an asymmetric thickening of the heart wall and may be due to genetic factors.
- Restrictive Cardiomyopathy: Restrictive cardiomyopathy is a condition in which the relaxation of the heart muscle is impaired, although contraction performance is normal.
- Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia: Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia is a change in the structure of the muscle tissue of the right ventricle.
- Other Types: Various types due to acquired or genetic abnormalities.
What is Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)?
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a condition affecting the left ventricle, the main pumping chamber of the heart. The walls of the left ventricle become thick and stiff. Over time, the heart can’t take in or pump out enough blood during each heartbeat to supply the body’s needs.[2]
HCM is usually caused by an inherited genetic variant (familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy).
HCM can lead to many serious health conditions[3], such as:
- Atrial fibrillation, a type of arrhythmia that can cause blood clots
- Heart failure
- Stroke
- Ventricular arrhythmias that can cause a cardiac arrest
It is a major cause of sudden cardiac death in people younger than 35.
Types of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
There are two main types of HCM:
- Obstructive:The most common type, hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) means the wall (septum) between the left ventricle and right ventricle thickens. This can block (obstruct) blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta (the body’s main artery).
- Nonobstructive: In nonobstructive HCM, the heart muscle thickens but doesn’t block blood flow.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of HCM can vary widely, even among members of the same family. Some people may have no symptoms at all, but others can experience:
- Arrhythmia (irregular heart rate or rhythm)
- Chest pain, especially during activity
- Fatigue
- Fluttering or pounding feeling in the chest
- Heart murmur
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Fainting
- Shortness of breath, especially during activity
- Swelling in the feet, ankles, legs, belly or neck
Symptoms tend to get worse over time, eventually lowering your ability to perform everyday activities and responsibilities.
How is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy diagnosed?
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most common type and is usually associated with genetic mutations. The diagnostic process is based on the patient’s symptoms and echocardiography results[4]. This test is used to determine the thickness of the heart wall and the degree of thickness. Symptoms often may not be obvious and the diagnosis can sometimes be made incidentally.
What are the treatment methods?
Treatment of heart wall thickening focuses on managing symptoms and associated conditions. Drug treatment, especially beta blockers, is effective against heart failure and rhythm disorders. Methods such as surgical treatment and alcohol ablation aim to reduce heart wall thickening. In some cases, it may be necessary to install a pacemaker, which can prevent sudden loss of life by intervening when a rhythm disorder is detected.
Care about your heart health
This disease is a manageable condition with appropriate treatment and monitoring. In case of any concern about heart health, the best approach is to consult a cardiologist.
References:
- Cardiomyopathies. Report of a WHO Expert Committee. World Health Organ Tech Rep Ser. 1984;697:7-64. PMID: 6428049.
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy What Is Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy?, Penn Medicine
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), American Heart Association, Last Reviewed: May 13, 2022
- Mandeş L, Roşca M, Ciupercă D, Popescu BA. The role of echocardiography for diagnosis and prognostic stratification in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. J Echocardiogr. 2020 Sep;18(3):137-148. doi: 10.1007/s12574-020-00467-9. Epub 2020 Apr 16. PMID: 32301048; PMCID: PMC7473965.