Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Child
Overview
Causes
HCM may be caused by a gene that causes an abnormality in the heart muscle. It can be inherited or it can happen from changes in the genes over time.
SymptomsandDiagnosis
Symptoms
Some children may not have any symptoms. Others may have:
- Chest pain
- Fainting, particularly during exercise
- Lightheadedness, particularly following exercise
- Rapid heartbeat
- Problems breathing, such as shortness of breath
- Lack of energy
- Tiring easily during exercise or activity
Problems in babies may be:
- Fast, heavy breathing when feeding
- Sweating when feeding
- Tiredness or lack of activity
- Poor weight gain
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your child’s symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. It will focus on the heart.
Blood tests will be done.
Images may be taken. This can be done with:
- Echocardiogram
- Transesophageal echocardiogram
- Heart catheter
- Chest x-ray
- MRI scan
Your child's heart activity will be tested. This can be done with:
- Stress test
- Heart monitor
Treatments
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to manage symptoms and prevent damage. Medicine may be given to:
- Maintain normal heart function
- Remove excess fluid from the body
Children who are not helped by these methods may need surgery to:
- Remove the thickened portion of heart muscle
- Repair or replace a damaged valve
- Insert an implantable cardioverter defibrillators to help pace the heart
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
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