Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (Aftercare Instructions) - What You Need to Know
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a disease that causes heart muscle cells to become large. As the cells get larger, they cause the walls of your ventricles to become thick and stiff. The ventricles are the 2 lower chambers of your heart. They pump blood to your lungs and the rest of your body. When the ventricles are thick or stiff, your heart cannot fill with enough blood. This decreases the blood and oxygen supply to the rest of your body. HCM is usually inherited, but it may develop over time. High blood pressure, thyroid disease, or diabetes increase your risk for HCM.
Heart medicine helps strengthen or regulate your heartbeat.
Blood pressure medicine is given to lower your blood pressure. A controlled blood pressure helps protect your organs, such as your heart, lungs, brain, and kidneys. Take your blood pressure medicine exactly as directed.
Manage HCM:
Manage your other health conditions. Diabetes and high blood pressure that are not controlled will increase your risk for heart problems.
Limit liquids. Talk to your healthcare provider about how much liquid to drink in a day. Your risk for fluid buildup and swelling increases if you drink too much. Your risk for dehydration increases if you do not drink enough liquid. Your heart has to work harder with too much or too little liquid.
Eat heart-healthy foods. Heart-healthy foods help lower your risk for heart disease. Your provider may recommend the DASH eating plan. The DASH plan is low in sodium, processed sugar, unhealthy fats, and total fat. It is high in potassium, calcium, and fiber. These can be found in vegetables, fruit, and whole-grain foods. Eat a variety of fresh, frozen, or canned vegetables and fruits. Eat vegetables and fruits without creamy sauces or added salt and sugars. You can get more fiber by eating brown rice instead of white rice. Oatmeal and beans are also good sources of fiber. Eat healthy fats, such as peanut butter, nuts, tuna, and avocados.
Avoid alcohol. Alcohol can increase your symptoms by causing dehydration and weight gain.
Talk to your healthcare provider about exercise. Your healthcare provider will help you make a plan for exercise. He or she will tell you if you need to avoid certain exercises or activities.
Do not smoke. Smoking weakens your heart and makes shortness of breath and other symptoms worse. If you smoke, it is never too late to quit. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your healthcare provider before you use these products.
Follow up with your doctor or cardiologist within 3 days or as directed:
You may need to have tests to check your heart every 1 to 2 years. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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Bristol Myers Squibb Presents New Clinical and Real-World Data on Mavacamten and Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy at Upcoming American College of Cardiology’s 70th Annual Scientific Session