what is Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and is it heriditary??????

Question

My 58 year old father has had heart problems for over 20 years, but he finally got a diagnosis of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy of the right valve.  My dad and I aren't close, so I don't know what this means. He called to tell me it is genetic. Should I get tested or is it okay to just 'not worry about it' b/c I am only 29 years old. Any info. would help. Thanks!!!!!!

rldnitesout · Accepted Answer

Hi.  I just happen to find this site today as I was looking up cardiomyopathy.  Yes! Go get checked out right away!  The sooner the better.  I am 23 years old with all the symptoms and waiting for my insurance to kick in.  I am very scared because my mom died of cardiomyopathy when she was 34.  I've done a lot of research and definately go in.  Most cases of this are inherited and you are one of the few that have an idea of what could go wrong which is so helpful.   Take care.

Agnes1 · Answer

I also have had Hypertropic Cardiomyapathy and yes, it can be hereditary and if your dad has it, there's a chance that you might have it. I had surgery last May to correct it and so far, so good. They had to go into my heart and cut away part of the septal muscle so the blood could flow out freely. It would be probably a good idea for you to go see your doctor or a good cardiologist and have them set you up for an EKG or better yet, a echo cardiogram where they can actually see the actions of the heart to see if you have it. The only other way is if your dad had a blood test taken so they could identify the gene(s) that might have to do with this ailment. If they can, then all you would have to do is also get a blood test and see if you have the same gene(s). The only thing is that is a very expensive( a few thousand dollars) test and your insurance would probably not cover it. I did have the test and my insurance did cover it because I was an inpatient at the hospital. The only thing was they couldn't identify the gene(s) at that time so they told me it would be useless for my sons to be tested.Instead, they recommended that they just have an EKG every few years to make sure of the condition of their heart.

Anonymous · Answer

I also have had Hypertropic Cardiomyapathy and yes, it can be hereditary and if your dad has it, there's a chance that you might have it. I had surgery last May to correct it and so far, so good. They had to go into my heart and cut away part of the septal muscle so the blood could flow out freely. It would be probably a good idea for you to go see your doctor or a good cardiologist and have them set you up for an EKG or better yet, a echo cardiogram where they can actually see the actions of the heart to see if you have it. The only other way is if your dad had a blood test taken so they could identify the gene(s) that might have to do with this ailment. If they can, then all you would have to do is also get a blood test and see if you have the same gene(s). The only thing is that is a very expensive( a few thousand dollars) test and your insurance would probably not cover it. I did have the test and my insurance did cover it because I was an inpatient at the hospital. The only thing was they couldn't identify the gene(s) at that time so they told me it would be useless for my sons to be tested.Instead, they recommended that they just have an EKG every few years to make sure of the condition of their heart.Hi Agnes1, I have Hypertropic Obstructive Cardiomyapathy and I been doing a lot of tests and finally I'm having an appointment with the doctor that going to do surgery. I'm a little nervous but reading your message I feel more confident. I just want to go on with my life.

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