What are the symptoms of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in young people like Bethany and Hannah Keime?

Symptoms can include chest pain, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, fainting, exercise intolerance, and dizziness. However, some individuals may have no symptoms until a sudden cardiac event.

How is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves discussing family history and symptoms, followed by an ECG, echocardiogram, and potentially a Holter monitor or cardiac MRI.

Is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) treatable for someone like Hannah Keime?

Yes, HCM is treatable with a care plan including lifestyle changes, medications, and sometimes devices like defibrillators, allowing for a healthy life.

Home / Health / Sisters' Deadly Heart Condition Diagnosis

Sisters' Deadly Heart Condition Diagnosis

25 Nov

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Summary

Two sisters diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a serious heart condition.
HCM can lead to sudden death, often with no prior warning signs.
Early detection and treatment are vital for managing HCM and preventing complications.

Sisters' Deadly Heart Condition Diagnosis

Two sisters, Bethany and Hannah Keime, discovered they had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a serious inherited heart condition, despite leading active lives. HCM causes the heart muscle to thicken, potentially leading to severe complications like sudden cardiac death, which can occur without warning. This underdiagnosed condition affects approximately 1 in 500 individuals and is a leading cause of cardiac death in young people, often striking those unaware of their genetic risk.

Symptoms of HCM can include chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, fainting, and exercise intolerance, though some individuals remain asymptomatic until a critical event. Cardiologists emphasize the importance of seeking medical evaluation for any cardiac symptoms or if there is a family history of HCM, noting a 50% genetic risk. Diagnostic processes involve ECGs, echocardiograms, and other cardiac tests to assess the condition's severity and develop a tailored care plan.