Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: an overview.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a complex cardiovascular disorder particularly sensitive to environmental changes and physiologic stress. Warm weather and strenuous activity can be a dangerous combination for people that have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Often sudden cardiac death is the first symptom of the disorder. Thorough sports histories and physicals are important preventive measures and referrals to cardiovascular specialists should occur for any suspicion of cardiac abnormalities. Treatment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is focused on abating the natural clinical progression that includes sudden cardiac death, severe heart failure symptoms, and arrhythmias. Safe, effective delivery of care to the patient with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy requires a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding this precarious cardiac condition.