Risk factors

The risk factors for developing hypertrophic cardiomyopathy include both the genetic and the environmental. If you have a genetic mutation for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, you are predisposed to developing this disease. If you have a blood relative with the disease, you may have one of the HCM genetic mutations that increase your risk of developing the disease.

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The exact relationship between the genetic material health and environmental influences that affects the way the disease manifests is just beginning to unfold. The abnormal growth of the heart muscle frequently occurs during periods of rapid growth, such as adolescence. Although HCM may be diagnosed in people of all ages, the course of the disease is usually more severe if onset occurs during adolescence.

Other factors known to affect the development of the disease and its symptoms include blood pressure and activity levels. When diagnosed in people over 60 years of age, HCM is often associated with high blood pressure or hypertension. High blood pressure is like weight lifting for the heart; a long history of high blood pressure can itself lead to the overgrowth of the heart muscle. Extensive physical training can also result in an overdeveloped heart. The difference between a professional athlete's heart and the heart of an individual with HCM can be subtle. Other environmental factors that increase one's risk of developing HCM will likely become apparent as research continues.

This section includes information on risk factors for sudden death.