Work stress led woman to discover genetic condition that looks like heart attack
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is estimated to affect about one in every 500 people worldwide.
Christina Chua, a 73-year-old woman from Singapore, experienced severe work-related stress in her 50s, which led to a range of symptoms including a rapid, irregular heartbeat and excessive sweating. Her husband initially feared a heart attack. Eventually, she was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, a common heart rhythm disorder affecting over 46 million people worldwide.
After her condition worsened in 2013, leading to an intensive care unit stay, Chua was diagnosed with another genetic heart condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy at age 60.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy causes the heart muscle to thicken, which can lead to serious complications such as stroke, heart failure, or sudden cardiac death if untreated. The condition affects approximately one in every 500 people globally, though many remain undiagnosed due to its varied symptoms. Chua's case was diagnosed through an echocardiogram, a common diagnostic tool for this condition.
Chua's condition responded well to medication, and she now manages her atrial fibrillation and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with prescribed drugs. She also uses a smartwatch to monitor her heart's electrical pulses for signs of irregularities. Chua's life has improved significantly since her diagnosis, allowing her to enjoy travel and daily activities without feeling breathless or fatigued.
She credits her medication regimen for this positive change. Additionally, she advises her first-degree blood relatives to seek medical check-ups, as genetic tests are available for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Written by urgent.news from Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
