Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in a 52-year-old man suspected of a coronary disease – description of the case

Introduction: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) represents a disease characterised by thickening, frequently an asymmetric one, of inter-ventricular septum. The pathology used to develop in young individuals but it may affect patients of any age. When it appears in older patients, its signs/symptoms may mimic coronary disease. Material and methods: A case of 52-year-old patient is presented, suspected to suffer from ischaemic disease. Nevertheless, diagnostic procedures demonstrated traits typical of HCM. Results: The patient was qualified to pharmacotherapy. Treatment of HCM involves administration of drugs which relax myocardium. The drugs decrease symptoms of exertional dyspnoea and chest pains. Conclusions: In the paper, the views were presented on a significance of sudden death factors in HCM, of cardiac rhythm disturbances and the applied methods of therapy in particular. (Clin Exp Med Lett 2008; 49(3): 189-191)

Keywords: hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, ischaemic disease of the heart, shunts of coronary arteries