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About Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Real HCM Stories
Symptom Questionnaire

About Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)

HCM is a progressive, chronic disease that can lead to complications like heart failure, atrial fibrillation (AFib), stroke, and rarely, sudden cardiac death.

An illustration of a healthy heart, pointing out the healthy walls of the heart
An illustration of a heart with non-obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), pointing out the thickened heart wall
An illustration of a heart with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), pointing out the thickened heart wall and reduced blood flow

Two types of HCM are non-obstructive HCM and obstructive HCM, with obstructive being the most common. Both cause the heart muscle wall to thicken and stiffen, making it harder for the heart to fill with blood. 

In obstructive HCM, the heart muscle becomes so thick that it blocks or reduces blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body.

Some people also experience symptoms with obstructive HCM, which is called symptomatic obstructive HCM. These symptoms can worsen over time, even when you are taking medicine to help manage symptoms.

 

Common Symptoms of HCM

Symptoms that affect your daily activities can be a marker of how severe your HCM is and if it’s getting worse. New or worsening symptoms could mean your HCM is progressing even if you’re taking medicine.

Illustrated icon representing shortness of breath
Shortness of breath 

Illustrated icon representing tiredness
Tiredness 

Illustrated icon representing rapid heartbeat
Rapid heartbeat 

Illustrated icon representing chest pain
Chest pain  

 

 

Illustrated icon representing feeling dizzy or light-headed
Feeling dizzy or light-headed 

Illustrated icon representing fainting
Fainting 

Illustrated icon representing fatigue
Fatigue

HCM Symptom Questionnaire

If the symptoms of HCM are still holding you back, it may be time for a “real talk” with your cardiologist. Use this interactive or printed questionnaire to answer a few questions and to have an informed discussion with your doctor about HCM. Click on the links below to get started online OR download a printed questionnaire that you can fill out by hand.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If the symptoms of obstructive HCM are still holding you back, it may be time for a “real talk” with your cardiologist.