Cardiac imaging withechocardiogramorcardiac magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) is used to diagnosehypertrophic cardiomyopathy(HCM).
Genetic blood testing may also be used to diagnose HCM.
This article discusses the process and tests used for diagnosing HCM.
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By using a stethoscope, healthcare providers can listen for heart valve closures, murmurs, or otherabnormal sounds.
What Is a Heart Murmur?
A heart murmur is a sound created by turbulence of blood flow.
Murmurs may be harmless or serious.
Questions about the heart health of family members is especially important in HCM, since this condition is inherited.
Electrocardiogram
Anelectrocardiogram(ECG) can provide clues about an HCM diagnosis.
This test may be performed for another reason and be the first indication that HCM is present.
The ECG provides information about the heart rhythm as well as chamber size and heart wall thickness.
In very thick-walled hearts, the ECG may be significantly abnormal, but the findings are not very specific.
MRIis a painless, noninvasive test that uses a strong magnet to create images.
Note that the cardiac MRI machine can be loud, and some people experience claustrophobia during this test.
MRI may also be used after HCM is diagnosed to evaluate for scar tissue.
When a significant amount of scar tissue is present, the risk of sudden cardiac death increases.
Why Would an ICD Be Needed in HCM?
One of the most devastating complications of HCM is sudden cardiac death.
Cardiologists take into account several factors when recommending whether or not someone with HCM should consider getting an ICD.
People with HCM may have intermittent symptoms from obstruction.
A gadget, such as aHolter monitor, is worn for a specified period.
Then, a cardiologist interprets the results.
Cardiologists are interested in whether or not any arrhythmias occurred.
Differential Diagnosis
HCM is just one cause of a thickened heart muscle.
The following can also cause thickened heart muscle.
Another possible cause is known as “athlete’s heart.”
Just as exercise affects skeletal muscles, it can cause changes in the heart muscle.
Athlete’s heart has specific findings, including that the thickened heart muscle goes away after stopping intense exercise.
Differentiating between these and HCM as causes of the thickened heart muscle is essential for proper treatment.
Summary
HCM is an inherited condition causing thickening of the heart muscle.
It requires heart imaging with either an echocardiogram or cardiac MRI.
Genetic testing is useful for screening family members.
Thankfully, our understanding of HCM has come a long way.
Always contact a healthcare provider for an examination if you experience any symptoms of a heart condition.
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