Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Asymmetric hypertrophy (thickening of all the heart walls) with the greatest affinity for the septum.  The IntraVentricular Septal wall thickness will measure > 1.3.  When a diagnostic ultrasound is performed the left ventricle cavity appears small and there may be cavity obliteration in systole.  PW Doppler can be used to determine the site of obstruction and evaluate diastolic filling pattern.  CW Doppler can measure the peak intraventricular pressure gradient which will specify the severity of obstruction.  AVOIDANCE OF STRENUOUS EXERCISE DUE TO RISK OF SUDDEN DEATH is the most common treatment.