Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Risk of Sudden Death
Topic Overview
Some people who have
hypertrophic cardiomyopathy are at high risk for
sudden death. If you have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, your doctor will check your risk.
If you are at high risk, an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) might be right for you. An ICD
can identify life-threatening
arrhythmias and successfully restore a normal
heartbeat.
To find out your risk, your doctor will do tests and ask you about your health and family history. Your doctor might check if you:1
- Have had cardiac arrest or
ventricular tachycardia in the past.
- Had a close relative who had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and died suddenly.
- Have fainted (syncope).
- Have had low blood pressure
during or after exercise.
- Have extreme left ventricle thickness
(more than 30 millimeters).
References
Citations
- Gersh BJ, et al. (2011). 2011 ACCF/AHA guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: A report of the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines. Circulation, 124(24): e783–e831.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Rakesh K. Pai, MD, FACC - Cardiology, Electrophysiology |
|---|
| 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
Gersh BJ, et al. (2011). 2011 ACCF/AHA guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: A report of the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines. Circulation, 124(24): e783–e831.
