If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ in HCMA Announcements. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. Your Participation in this message board is strictly voluntary. Information and comments on the message board do not necessarily reflect the feelings, opinions, or positions of the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association. At no time should participants to this board substitute information within for individual medical advice. The Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association shall not be liable for any information provided herein. All participants in this board should conduct themselves in a professional and respectful manner. Failure to do so will result in suspension or termination. The moderators of the message board working with the HCMA will be responsible for notifying participants if they have violated the rules of conduct for the board. Moderators or HCMA staff may edit any post to ensure it conforms with the rules of the board or may delete it. This community is welcoming to all those with HCM we ask that you remember each user comes to the board with information and a point of view that may differ from that which you hold, respect is critical, please post respectfully. Thank you

Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

high blood pressure induced hcm

Collapse

About the Author

Collapse
Abbygirl2 Find out more about Abbygirl2
X
Collapse
 
  • Page of 1
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts
Previous template Next
  • #1

    high blood pressure induced hcm

    Hi, I have an aunt that was told her high blood pressure caused her hcm, even with the knowledge of hcm being in the family she was still told this.
    Is there some way of knowing the difference? She has indeed had uncontrolable high blood pressure for years and she didn't take good care of it(not taking meds etc). But how do they know its not the genetic type?

    Thanks all
    Pam
    It's not what you gather, but what you scatter that tells what kind of life you have lived.

    Dx in Feb/99. Obstructed. No ICD, no surgeries, no family history. 2 sons ages 14 and 6.
    Tags: None
  • #2
    Re: high blood pressure induced hcm

    Hi Pam,
    I may be all wet, but I think the difference is that true HCM is the genetic type. However, long periods of overworking the heart, either by high blood pressure or physical activity can produce a condition called ‘Athletic’ heart where the heart muscles thicken also. With an Athletic heart the cells are aligned, while the cells of an HCM heart are in disarray.

    With HCM in the family, and without expensive genetic testing, I don’t know how the doctor was able tell the difference. (I would hope they wouldn’t consider an autopsy on a living patient.) A number of us, including myself, were told as children that we had athletic hearts and a murmur. (My parents were assured that I would grow out of it.)

    Well, many years ago my growth switched from vertical to horizontal, but I’m still waiting to outgrow it. In August I’ll turn 72, and quite frankly I think my chances of outgrowing it have now become quite slim. (That is, my chances have become slim.)

    I hope that answers your question, and more to the point, I hope it’s the right answer.
    Burt

    Comment

    • #3
      Re: high blood pressure induced hcm

      Hypertension causes hypertophy - but it is NOT HCM. I would suggest you have a specialist look at yours and her records to evaluate what is really goin on. Those with HCM can have hypertesion as well and thereby it can be very hard to know what is going on...however hypertension normally creates a specific pattern of hypertrophy that is rather different than HCM.

      It sounds like HCM to me.

      Lisa
      Knowledge is power ... Stay informed!
      YOU can make a difference - all you have to do is try!

      Dx age 12 current age 46 and counting!
      lost: 5 family members to HCM (SCD, Stroke, CHF)
      Others diagnosed living with HCM (or gene +) include - daughter, niece, nephew, cousin, sister and many many friends!
      Therapy - ICD (implanted 97, 01, 04 and 11, medication
      Currently not obstructed
      Complications - unnecessary pacemaker and stroke (unrelated to each other)

      Comment

      • #4
        Re: high blood pressure induced hcm

        Thanks Lisa, I kind-a thought there was some way to now tell the difference. (And a better name for Athletic Heart.) Unfortunately, like HCM itself, the specifics are obviously still unknown to many doctors.
        Burt

        Comment

        Previous template Next
        Working...
        X