4. Palpitations – The Unexpected Throb of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
One of the more unsettling symptoms associated with HCM is palpitations, described as a feeling that your heart is beating too hard, too fast, skipping a beat, or fluttering. Palpitations are often felt in the chest, but some people may also feel them in the throat or neck.
In HCM, the thickening of the heart muscle can disrupt the normal electrical pathways that control the heart’s rhythm, leading to arrhythmias or abnormal heart rhythms. These arrhythmias manifest as palpitations, making the person acutely aware of their own heartbeat.
While palpitations can occur in healthy individuals, especially in response to stress or anxiety, persistent or recurrent episodes can signal an underlying heart condition like HCM. These abnormal heartbeats can also lead to other symptoms such as dizziness, shortness of breath, or fainting, further compounding the individual’s distress.
Early recognition and treatment of palpitations can significantly improve the prognosis for patients with HCM. Treatment options can range from lifestyle modifications and medications to more invasive procedures such as catheter ablation or the implantation of a cardioverter-defibrillator, depending on the severity of the symptoms and the extent of the heart’s impairment.
Palpitations are not just a “fluttering feeling” in the chest. They are an important symptom of HCM, one that demands attention. Understanding and acknowledging this symptom can be the first step towards effective management of HCM. (4)
