What are the treatments for the condition?

The goals of therapy are to reduce symptoms of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and prevent death. Because sudden death has been linked to exercise, strenuous exercise should be avoided, whether or not the person has symptoms.

Heart medications are often used to reduce symptoms such as chest pain, palpitations, and fainting. Commonly used medications include atenolol, amiodarone, and diltiazem.

A type of pacemaker device called a defibrillator may also be used for dangerous abnormal heartbeats. Minor surgery is needed to put a defibrillator in place.

For someone with severe symptoms that cannot be controlled by medication, open heart surgery may be advised. The surgery involves removing part of one of the thickened walls of the heart.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

All medications have possible side effects. For example, atenolol may cause sleepiness and erectile dysfunction. Diltiazem may cause stomach upset or swelling in the legs. Surgery carries a risk of infection, bleeding, and allergic reaction to anesthesia.

What happens after treatment for the condition?

The exact course of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is hard to predict. Treatment is usually needed for long periods of time, sometimes for life.

How is the condition monitored?

Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider. Regular visits to the healthcare provider allow ongoing monitoring for arrhythmias or worsening of the hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Repeat electrocardiograms, or ECGs, and echocardiograms are often used to help with monitoring.