Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is a form of cardiomyopathy
. This is a condition in which the heart muscle thickens due to
genetic problems with the muscle’s structure. As the muscle
thickens, it must work harder to pump blood. This strains the
heart muscle. Sometimes the thickened muscle gets in the way of
the blood leaving the heart and causes a blockage. This blockage
can cause a nearby valve to become leaky. HCM can cause uneven
muscle growth. This can cause the heart to pump in a
disorganized way. Rarely, it can cause abnormal heart rhythms
that can be fatal. HCM may be caused by a gene that causes an
abnormality in the heart muscle. It can be inherited or it can
happen from changes in the genes over time. The doctor will ask
about your child’s symptoms and medical history and do a
physical exam. Tests may include the following: - Stress test
—tests how the body responds to exercise, which can help in
detecting heart and lung problems - Echocardiography —uses sound
waves (ultrasound) to examine the