Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Paper Summary:

The paper relates that while hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a relatively rare form of cardiac malformation, it is important since its victims are mostly young athletes who are normally viewed as the epitome of the fitness and health. The paper provides a brief overview of the condition, diagnosis and possible treatment methods. The paper shows how the predominantly asymptomatic nature of the condition, the difficulties in the diagnostic process and the sudden and lethal nature of the disorder have made it harder to identify at risk people and to avert potential catastrophe on the sporting field.

Outline:
Introduction
HCM Demographics and Diagnosis
Treatment
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a heart condition characterized by excessive thickening of the heart muscles. Left ventricular thickening is usually the most common defining feature of the disease though in some patients right ventricular thickening is also noticed. While heart muscle thickening is also observed in patients with a history of high blood pressure and among those with prolonged athletic training, in HCM the thickening is idiopathic. HCM occurs roughly in around 1 in 500 (600,000 to 1.5 million) people in the US and is the single most common cause for sudden death in young athletes. [Cleveland Clinic] Statistics show that roughly around 35% of sudden deaths among athletes are ascribed to HCM. Statistics also reveal that sudden deaths among joggers, marathon racers, and other forms of athletic sports, stands between 1 in 15,000 or 1 in 50,000. [Maron]"

Sample of Sources Used:

• CMA, "Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy", Accessed on April 16th 2008, Available at, http://www.cardiomyopathy.org/index.php?id=49
• Barry J. Maron, MD, "Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: Practical Steps for Preventing Sudden Death", The Physician and Sports Medicine, VOL 30 - NO.1 - JANUARY 2002, Available online at, http://www.physsportsmed.com/issues/2002/01_02/maron.htm
• Cleveland Clinic, "Cleveland Clinic", Accessed on April 16th 2008, Available at, http://www.clevelandclinic.org/heartcenter/pub/guide/disease/hcm/default.htm#affected

More papers on Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy:

• Research Paper # 110598 : "Data Collection Instruments in the CHF Project"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: