What is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?
In hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the muscle of the heart becomes thicker than normal, obstructing blood flow to the rest of the body.
The thickened muscle can also affect one of the leaflets of the mitral valve, which separates the left atrium and the left ventricle. The valve leaflets become leaky, allowing blood to move backwards from the left ventricle into the left atrium, instead of forward to the rest of the body.
For more information regarding pediatric hypertrophic cardiomyopathy services in St. Louis or to make an appointment, please call 314.454.5437 or 800.678.5437 or email us.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is often hereditary. One-half of children with the disease have a parent or sibling with varying degrees of left ventricular muscle or ventricular wall enlargement, although relatives may or may not have symptoms.
Children with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy may have symptoms that increase with exertion or symptoms may be unpredictable.
The following are the most common symptoms of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
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Shortness of breath on exertion
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Dizziness
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Fainting
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Chest pain
Specific treatment for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy will be determined by your child's health care provider based on:
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Your child's age, overall health, and medical history
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Extent of the disease
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Your child's tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
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Expectations for the course of the disease
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Your opinion or preference
Your child's health care provider may recommend medications to accomplish the following:
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Decrease the workload of the heart
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Decrease the oxygen requirements of the heart
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Regulate irregular heartbeats
Surgical treatment may include:
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Removal of part of the enlarged muscle
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Implantation of a pacemaker or defibrillator
Consult your child's health care provider for more information regarding the specific outlook for your child.
For more information regarding pediatric hypertrophic cardiomyopathy services in St. Louis or to make an appointment, please call 314.454.5437 or 800.678.5437 or email us.
