A thick heart? When my patient’s perfect lifestyle wasn’t the whole story

Tanvee, a 36-year-old woman, once believed her perfect lifestyle of regular exercise, yoga, and a balanced diet protected her from any cardiac issues. However, she began experiencing symptoms like breathlessness, chest discomfort, dizziness, and a racing heartbeat after mild physical activity. When she experienced a loss of consciousness after walking uphill and sought medical attention, she was diagnosed with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (oHCM), an inherited condition where the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick.

While initially anxiety-inducing, Tanvee was reassured that with proper treatment and lifestyle guidance, she could still lead an active life. Unfortunately, oHCM remains one of the most misunderstood cardiac conditions, often leading to fear and delayed diagnosis. However, with advancements in diagnosis and treatment, many patients can now lead active, fulfilling lives with appropriate care.

Brief written by urgent.news from The Indian Express's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.