About this topic
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, happens when the heart muscle becomes thick. This makes it hard for the heart to pump blood to the body. This causes chest pain, trouble breathing, dizziness, and fainting. Parents and other family members may pass this condition on to a child. It can be deadly if it is not treated. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Learn how to take your blood pressure. Talk with your doctor about how often you should check your blood pressure. Learn what normal blood pressure numbers are for you.
- Take your drugs as ordered by your doctor.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Lower blood pressure
- Slow the heart rate and keep it beating with a normal rhythm
- Get rid of extra fluids and help with swelling
- Balance electrolytes
- Prevent blood clots
Will physical activity be limited?
You may have to limit your activity. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. You may be at risk for dying suddenly during strenuous activity. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
- Make sure you drink 6 to 8 glasses of water each day. Not having enough fluids can make the heart condition worse. This is very important in hot weather.
- Follow a healthy diet.
- Eat many different foods rich in nutrients from all food groups.
- Stay away from sugars and fats. Limit sweets and fatty foods such as desserts, fried foods, and chips. Use good fats found in fish, nuts, avocados, and oils like olive oil and canola oil. Cut back on solid fats (butter, lard, margarine).
- Try to eat more low fat or lean meats, chicken, and turkey. Eat less red meat and eat more fish and beans instead.
- Ask if you need to follow a low-salt diet.
- Ask if you need to limit fluids.
What problems could happen?
- Heart failure
- Irregular beating of the heart
- Injury from fainting
- May cause sudden heart attack
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- If you inherit this disease, there is nothing you can do to prevent it. You have to treat it and change your lifestyle.
- Treat high blood pressure and heart disease.
- Work out often.
- Do not drink beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol).
- Stop smoking.
When do I need to call the doctor?
Activate the emergency medical system right away if you have signs of a heart attack. Call 911 in the United States or Canada. The sooner treatment begins, the better your chances for recovery. Call for emergency help right away if you have: ‚
- Signs of heart attack:
- Chest pain
- Trouble breathing
- Fast heartbeat
- Feeling dizzy
Call your doctor if you have: ‚
- Fainting or almost fainting
- Signs of abnormal heart rate
- Blood pressure that is 20 points above your normal on either the top or bottom number.
- Swelling or very bad pain in the hands or feet
- Poor energy or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what my normal blood pressure should be.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have signs of a heart attack.
Where can I learn more?
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute ‚
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/cm/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚