Symptom 2: Shortness of Breath: The Silent Struggle of AHCM
Shortness of breath, or dyspnea, is another significant symptom of AHCM. It’s like an unseen enemy, lurking in the shadows, making its presence felt only when one tries to breathe. With AHCM, this symptom is often experienced during physical exertion when the body’s demand for oxygen is at its peak.
But why does AHCM cause shortness of breath? The answer lies in the altered architecture of the AHCM-afflicted heart. The heart’s lower part or apex, thickened in AHCM, hinders the heart from filling with enough blood. This reduced filling affects the heart’s output, resulting in less oxygen-rich blood reaching the lungs.
A closer look reveals the intricacy of this symptom. The reduced blood supply to the lungs triggers a state of oxygen deprivation. The body, sensing this, attempts to compensate by increasing the respiratory rate, leading to the sensation of breathlessness.
In the grand scheme of AHCM symptoms, shortness of breath holds a special place. It serves as a benchmark of the condition’s progress, often becoming more pronounced as the disease advances. Each gasping breath is a testament to the body’s futile struggle against the reduced oxygen supply.
Finally, as we decipher the mechanics behind this symptom, we realize the cruel irony of AHCM. A condition that originates in the heart, but doesn’t limit its effects to it, impacting the most basic life process – breathing. Thus, this symptom of shortness of breath is the silent yet powerful testament to AHCM’s far-reaching effects. (2)
