Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Risk of Sudden Death

Some people who have Reference hypertrophic cardiomyopathy Opens New Window are at high risk for sudden death. If you have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, your doctor will check your risk.

If you are at high risk, an Reference implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) Opens New Window might be right for you. An ICD can identify life-threatening Reference arrhythmias Opens New Window and successfully restore a normal heartbeat.

To find out your risk, your doctor will do tests and ask you about your health and family history. Your doctor might check if you:^{Reference 1}

• Have had cardiac arrest or Reference ventricular tachycardia in the past.
• Had a close relative who had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and died suddenly.
• Have fainted (Reference syncope Opens New Window).
• Have had low blood pressure during or after exercise.
• Have extreme left ventricle thickness (more than 30 millimeters).

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