Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) Mechanism of Disease Video

Summary

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a condition where the heart's walls thicken, often due to an abnormal gene. This affects the heart's left ventricle, making it harder for the heart to pump blood, especially during exercise. The condition can be non-obstructive or obstructive, with the latter causing the septum to block the outflow of blood. Symptoms include tiredness, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, and fainting. Treatment and diagnosis are crucial for managing the condition. It’s important to consult a healthcare provider if experiencing any of these symptoms.

Takeaways

• 😀 Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a condition where the walls of the heart thicken, often caused by an abnormal gene.
• 😀 The heart has four chambers: the right atrium, right ventricle, left atrium, and left ventricle.
• 😀 A muscular wall called the septum divides the two sides of the heart, and blood flows through four valves: tricuspid, pulmonary, mitral, and aortic.
• 😀 The left ventricle pumps oxygenated blood throughout the body, providing it with oxygen and nutrients.
• 😀 HCM typically affects the left ventricle by thickening its walls, making it harder for the heart to fill and pump blood effectively.
• 😀 In some cases of HCM, scar tissue may form between muscle cells, affecting the heart's function over time.
• 😀 HCM can be non-obstructive, where the walls thicken but don't block blood flow, or obstructive, where the septum bulges and narrows the outflow tract.
• 😀 In obstructive HCM, the narrowed outflow tract increases the pressure needed to push blood out of the left ventricle, which is called the gradient.
• 😀 Symptoms of HCM may include tiredness, shortness of breath, chest pain, lightheadedness, heart pounding, or fainting.
• 😀 It is important to talk to a healthcare provider if you experience symptoms related to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or have questions about the condition.

Q & A

What is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a condition where the walls of the heart, particularly the left ventricle, become abnormally thickened, often due to a genetic abnormality.

What are the four chambers of the heart?

The four chambers of the heart are the right atrium, right ventricle, left atrium, and left ventricle.

What role does the left ventricle play in the heart?

The left ventricle is responsible for pumping oxygen-rich blood throughout the body, providing tissues with the oxygen and nutrients they need.

How does hypertrophic cardiomyopathy affect the left ventricle?

In hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the muscle cells of the left ventricle grow larger, causing the walls to thicken, making it harder for the ventricle to hold blood and pump it efficiently.

What causes the thickening of the heart walls in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?

The thickening of the heart walls is primarily caused by the growth of heart muscle cells due to a genetic abnormality. In some cases, scar tissue may also form between the muscle cells.

What is the difference between non-obstructive and obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?

In non-obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the thickened walls do not block blood flow from the left ventricle. In obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the thickened walls and septum may obstruct the outflow tract, restricting blood flow.

What is the outflow tract in the heart?

The outflow tract is the path where blood exits the left ventricle and enters the aorta to circulate through the body.

How does obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy impact blood flow?

In obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the thickened septum may bulge into the outflow tract, narrowing it and causing resistance to blood flow, which increases the pressure the heart must exert to pump blood.

What are the common symptoms of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?

Common symptoms include tiredness, shortness of breath, chest pain, light-headedness, heart pounding, or fainting.

Why is it important to monitor the size of the outflow tract in obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?

The size of the outflow tract can change throughout the day, becoming narrower or wider depending on activity. A narrowed outflow tract increases pressure, making it harder for the heart to pump blood.