HYPERTROPHIC CARDIOMYOPATHY WITH OBSTRUCTION OF THE LEFT VENTRICLE

Abstract

It is a septal hypertrophy, asymmetric type, causing left ventricular outflow obstruction due to thickening of the left ventricular wall; this pathology has a worldwide prevalence of 0.02-0.23%; and it is the most important cause of sudden death in young people. It is characterised by myocardial hypertrophy leading to diastolic dysfunction; epidemiologically, it occurs equally in men and women, although women tend to be more symptomatic, more disabled and present at a younger age.

The patient may be asymptomatic or may present with dyspnoea, precordial pain and syncope. For diagnosis, chest X-ray, electrocardiogram and echocardiography may be used; MRI and cardiac catheterisation only in cases to identify the aetiology and severity of the disease. For treatment, background medication such as beta-blockers may be used, or alcohol ablation techniques may be performed. However, in some cases, pacemakers or implantable defibrillators may be needed.

The aim of this literature review is to provide information on this pathology, which, despite not being so common in our environment and being more of a speciality of Cardiology, there is the possibility of presentation in young people, and that, presenting cardiac manifestations, can lead us to consider this pathology as a differential diagnosis.