| The hypertrophic
cardiomyopathy is characterized by the hypertrophy
of the left ventricle without any apparent previous
cause. Their basic characteristics are
heterogeneous hypertrophy of the left ventricle,
predominantly of inter-ventricular septum, along
with a dynamic pressure gradient in the outlet tract
of the left ventricle, typical phenomenon although
only present in 25 % of the cases.
Half of the cases have familiar antecedents
that suggest a pattern of dominant autosomic
inheritance, with diverse described genetic mutations.
Its clinical presentation is variable, from
asymptomatic to dyspnea (more frequent symptom),
angina, syncope or sudden death.
Typically, it produces a pattern of diastolic cardiac
insufficiency. ECG, Chest X-Ray (which can
be normal). Echocardiography is the main test for
the diagnosis. Self evaluation quiz 
AUTHORS
Alvaro Cecilio, Marta Sanchez, Juana Pelegrín,
Gonzalo Rodrigo
Dept. of Cardiology (Unit of Arrhythmias)
(JP, GR.) and Internal Medicine AC, MS)
Clinical
Hospital University "Lozano Blesa" Zaragoza
English translation by Lalit
Kumar |
