Symptom 3: Fatigue: The Unseen Enemy of AHCM
While fatigue might not seem as dramatic as chest pain or shortness of breath, it’s an equally important symptom of AHCM. It’s like a shadow that slowly engulfs the individual, leaving them constantly exhausted and sapping their energy.
The reason for fatigue in AHCM is linked to the heart’s reduced efficiency. With the heart muscle thickened, the heart struggles to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. This reduced blood flow means that the organs and tissues receive less oxygen and nutrients, leading to feelings of tiredness and lack of energy.
In the initial stages, this fatigue can be subtle, a faint echo of the storm brewing in the heart. It may go unnoticed or be written off as the result of a long day. However, as AHCM progresses, this fatigue becomes more pronounced, refusing to be ignored.
With each passing day, this symptom can morph from an occasional inconvenience to a constant companion. Routine tasks may begin to feel strenuous, and physical activities that were once enjoyed may become challenging.
Ultimately, fatigue in AHCM is more than just a feeling of tiredness. It’s an unseen enemy, slowly but steadily draining the energy out of those affected. Thus, recognizing and understanding this symptom is crucial in the overall management of AHCM. (3)
