Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Types
Topic Overview
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a genetic disease in which the heart muscle grows abnormally, making the heart muscle thicken. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is described as either
obstructive or nonobstructive.
- Nonobstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The heart muscle is abnormally thick but not to the
extent that any part of it crowds the lower heart chambers (ventricles). The thicker muscle simply cannot relax
properly. This means that less blood can enter the chambers and less blood is
circulated to the body. Also, abnormal heart rhythms may develop. Most
people with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy have this type.
- Obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Portions of the
heart muscle become so thick that they bulge out into the lower heart chambers
(ventricles). Blocked blood flow and smaller, less effective ventricles result,
especially during exercise, when the heart has less time to relax and fill.
Thickened heart muscle may also interfere with how the heart valves open and
close, particularly the mitral valve, which divides the left upper chamber
(atrium) from the left ventricle.
References
Other Works Consulted
- Ommen SR, et al. (2011). Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. In V Fuster et al., eds., Hurst's The Heart, 13th ed., vol. 1, pp. 817–864. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
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| Primary Medical Reviewer | Rakesh K. Pai, MD, FACC - Cardiology, Electrophysiology |
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| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Robert A. Kloner, MD, PhD - Cardiology |
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| Specialist Medical Reviewer | George Philippides, MD - Cardiology |
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| Last Revised | July 23, 2012 |
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Last Revised:
July 23, 2012
