Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the thickening of the muscles that make up the heart. The thickening may interfere with the normal functioning of the heart by:
- Narrowing the outflow of the ventricle
- Reducing the ability of the heart to relax and fill with blood during the relaxation phase
- Impairing the ability of the valves of the heart to function properly
Any situation that increases the rate or force of contraction of the heart muscle can worsen these symptoms.
|
Review Date:
12/26/2011 Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Senior Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital. |
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-
A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
