Results for "arrhythmias."
Anatomy Encyclopedia Entry 1778701398
The human heart is a vital organ that pumps blood throughout the body, playing a crucial role in maintaining overall health and well-being.
Health & MedicineConditions Encyclopedia Entry 1779121806
** Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a genetic heart condition characterized by the thickening of the heart muscle, which can lead to abnormal heart function and potentially life-threatening complications. **CONTENT:** ### Overview Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a complex heart condition that affects the heart muscle, causing it to become thickened and abnormal. This thickening, known as hypertrophy, can lead to a range of symptoms, from mild to severe, and can increase the risk of sudden cardiac death. HCM is a leading cause of sudden cardiac death in young athletes and is often inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, meaning that a single copy of the mutated gene is enough to cause the condition. HCM can affect people of all ages, but it is most commonly diagnosed in young adults and children. The condition is often asymptomatic, but when symptoms do occur, they can include chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and palpitations. In some cases, HCM can lead to more severe complications, such as heart failure, arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death. ### History/Background HCM has been recognized as a distinct heart condition for over a century, but it was not until the 1960s that the condition was fully described and its genetic basis was identified. Since then, significant advances have been made in understanding the underlying causes of HCM and developing effective treatments. In 1990, the first genetic mutations associated with HCM were identified, and since then, numerous other mutations have been linked to the condition. ### Key Information HCM is a genetic disorder that affects the heart muscle, causing it to become thickened and abnormal. The condition is caused by mutations in genes that code for proteins involved in the structure and function of the heart muscle. These mutations can lead to a range of symptoms, from mild to severe, and can increase the risk of sudden cardiac death. There are several types of HCM, including: * **Obstructive HCM**: characterized by a narrowing of the left ventricular outflow tract, which can lead to symptoms such as chest pain and shortness of breath. * **Non-obstructive HCM**: characterized by thickening of the heart muscle without a significant narrowing of the left ventricular outflow tract. * **Familial HCM**: inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, meaning that a single copy of the mutated gene is enough to cause the condition. * **Sporadic HCM**: not inherited and occurs in individuals without a family history of the condition. ### Significance HCM is a significant health concern, particularly in young athletes and individuals with a family history of the condition. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve outcomes and reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death. In addition, advances in genetic testing and imaging technologies have improved our ability to diagnose and manage HCM. **INFOBOX:** - **Name:** Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) - **Type:** Genetic heart condition - **Date:** 1960s (first described) - **Location:** Worldwide - **Known For:** Leading cause of sudden cardiac death in young athletes **TAGS:** Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, genetic heart condition, sudden cardiac death, heart muscle thickening, genetic mutations, obstructive HCM, non-obstructive HCM, familial HCM, sporadic HCM, heart failure, arrhythmias.