Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Self-Care Options for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Without treatment, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy may cause further complications. Long-term survival with this disease is strongly influenced by a heart-healthy diet, careful exercise and personal habits.

Diet

Moderation in all things is a good rule to follow. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy may eventually lead to additional heart disease later in life, so taking into account the following dietary practices may be helpful.

• Cholesterol should be monitored regularly.
• Maintain a reasonable weight. Extra weight burdens on an already stressed heart.
• Caffeine is a stimulant known to cause irregular heart rhythms. Avoid diet pills and over-the-counter cold medications that contain caffeine.
• Large meals put extra strain on the circulatory system.
• Alcohol can cause an irregular heartbeat, which can worsen symptoms.
• Avoid dehydration, which also stresses the heart, especially during hot weather.

Exercise

People with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy should not engage in isometric exercise such as weight lifting. Strenuous or competitive sports such as football, soccer, and basketball are not recommended. Aerobic forms of exercise are recommended if done in moderation under a physician's guidelines. Activities such as walking or moderate biking are excellent and will have positive effects on the cardiovascular system. The optimal exercise to attain cardiovascular fitness is a low-level continuous aerobic activity performed for 30 to 60 minutes, 4 to 5 times per week.

Employment decisions should be made within these activity limitations. Work that would require heavy lifting or prolonged strenuous activity should be avoided. Hot tubs and saunas are not recommended. People with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy should avoid dehydration during and after exercise. Sport drinks, lemonade, and water are good fluid replenishers.

Personal Health Habits

• Do not smoke.
• Take medications as prescribed.
• Get regular medical checkups.
• Get regular dental care.
• Avoid situations that could cause heart muscle inflammation, such as getting tattoos and body piercing.
• Recreational use of stimulants such as cocaine or methamphetamine could have disastrous effects; simply put, do not do drugs!

Family Screening

It is recommended that all first-degree relatives of a patient with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy undergo screening including a medical history and appropriate tests. Screening should be performed every three years in children and adolescents and then every five years after adulthood is reached. While there is hope that blood testing for genetic abnormalities may help some day, current techniques do not allow for general use.