What about my quality of life?
HCM can have a significant impact on your quality of life. Symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue and chest pain can limit activities of daily living and adversely affect emotional well-being. In addition, the need for regular medical treatment and close monitoring of heart health can trigger stress and anxiety on a daily basis. However, with proper disease management and support, it is possible to improve your quality of life.
Exercise and cardiovascular health: best practices to known
« Despite a tired heart, I always find the strength
to carry on and live each day to the full »
Management of HCM, what is the most suitable treatment?
Medicines to treat the symptoms
Although there is currently no treatment that can completely cure this heart disease, the prescription of medications can significantly help manage symptoms and sometimes even prevent other complications related to the condition. Some medicines can support the heart when it pumps blood, or suppress arrhythmias, thereby improving the quality of life for people with oHCM.
Medical procedures
In cases of severe symptoms, an intervention may sometimes be necessary to reduce the obstruction. In some cases, this can be done through a non-surgical procedure called alcohol septal ablation (a technique where a small amount of pure alcohol is injected into an artery to destroy excess tissue blocking blood flow). In the most severe cases, and in very rare cases where cardiac function is severely impaired, a heart transplant may be considered.
When the defibrillator watches over you
If there is a risk of potentially dangerous disturbances in heart rhythm, your cardiologist may recommend the placement of an implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) under the skin.
It is designed to sense when it is needed by delivering an electrical signal to the heart to correct irregular heartbeats. It therefore reduces the risk of serious complications such as sudden cardiac arrest.
Follow-up with your cardiologist
Close monitoring is essential. It allows the cardiologist to monitor the progression of the disease and adjust treatment if necessary. Every patient experiences a unique progression, and through regular follow-ups, the patient and cardiologist can work together to find the best and most appropriate solutions for each situation.
She shares her heart story with you
Discover the inspiring story of Stephanie, who was affected by HCM and managed to regain her joy of life.
Her touching testimony offers an authentic look at her journey with the disease and her resilience. How to cope with the diagnosis? How to live with the disease? And also, how to forget it?
