Signs and symptoms

When faced with unexplained or worsening symptoms, it’s easy to think that you’re just ‘getting older’ or that you’re ‘out of shape’, but it’s important to speak with your GP to rule out an underlying health condition.

Tired? - Short of breath? - Rapid Heartbeat? - Chest pain? - Dizzy

What are the signs and symptoms of HCM?

HCM can sometimes be described as a ‘hidden disease’ because people who have it do not always experience symptoms.Cardiomyopathy UK, (2022). Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Factsheet. Available at: https://www.cardiomyopathy.org/sites/default/files/2022-02/... . Last accessed May 2024. When HCM symptoms do appear, they can be difficult to recognise due to their non-specific nature, as they often overlap with signs of other health conditions.MyHeart.org.uk. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Available at: https://www.myheart.org.uk/hypertrophic-cardiomyopathy-hcm/... . Last accessed May 2024.

As HCM can be difficult to recognise, knowing the common symptoms can help you to discuss your experiences with a GP.

Common symptoms of HCM include:Cardiomyopathy UK, (2022). Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Factsheet. Available at: https://www.cardiomyopathy.org/sites/default/files/2022-02/... . Last accessed May 2024. British Heart Foundation, (2021). Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. Available at: https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/conditions/cardiomyopathy/hypertrophic-cardiomyopathy . Last accessed May 2024.

While there are common symptoms to watch for, the provided list of symptoms may not be complete and experiencing these symptoms does not necessarily indicate that you have HCM. Only a qualified medical professional can offer an accurate diagnosis.

HCM can affect people in different ways. For some people, symptoms come and go, and for others, symptoms can go on for a long time.NHS, (2023). Cardiomyopathy. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cardiomyopathy/ . Last accessed May 2024. Some may not experience symptoms right away or even at all, yet the disease may continue to progress.Heart.org, (2022). Available at: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cardiomyopathy/... . Last accessed May 2024.

HCM can affect everyone differently. Hear from Ian who shares his personal journey of when he first experienced symptoms before his diagnosis.

I was struggling just picking up two chairs and moving them. I was out of breath; I was getting sweaty. I just couldn’t understand why.

Ian

Ian was compensated for his time in the creation of this video.

Descriptive transcript available here

Could HCM affect your overall wellbeing?

Whilst many people will never experience symptoms, for others, HCM can make daily activities challenging and it may impact a person’s quality of life.

Symptoms may limit physical activity, make simple tasks more difficult, and, if they worsen over time, impact work and emotional wellbeing.Zaiser E, et al., (2020). Patient experiences with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: a conceptual model of symptoms and impacts on quality of life. J Patient Rep Outcomes. 4:102. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7708573/ . Last accessed: May 2024.

If you notice that the symptoms are affecting your daily life, it's important to speak to your GP.

How is HCM managed?

If you are diagnosed with HCM, discussing treatment options with a medical team is important, as there are ways to help manage the condition, such as:NHS, (2023). Cardiomyopathy. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cardiomyopathy/ . Last accessed May 2024.

Making lifestyle updates: Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle which includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management.
Taking medications: Your doctor may prescribe medications to control symptoms, improve heart function, or prevent complications associated with HCM.
Undergoing surgery: In some cases, surgical interventions may be recommended to reduce symptoms and improve heart function.
Attending regular check-ups: Regular appointments with your specialist healthcare team is crucial for monitoring your symptoms, assessing the progression of HCM, and adjusting your treatment plan as needed.

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CV-GB-2400088
Date of Preparation: May 2024