High risk for sudden death in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

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High risk for sudden death in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Some people with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy are at high risk for sudden death. If you are at high risk, you may want to ask your doctor about an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), which can identify life-threatening arrhythmias and successfully restore a normal heartbeat.

You are at high risk for sudden death and ICDs are strongly recommended if you:¹

Have had cardiac arrest or ventricular tachycardia in the past.
Had a family member with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy who died suddenly or you have any of the genetic abnormalities associated with sudden death.
Have had low blood pressure during or after exercise.
Have extreme left ventricle thickness (more than 30 millimeters).

References

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Citations
Nishimura RA, et al. (2004). Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. In V Fuster et al., eds., Hurst's the Heart, 11th ed., pp. 1909–1936. New York: McGraw-Hill Medical Publishing Division.

Credits

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Author	Monica Rhodes
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor	Denele Ivins
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Stephen Fort, MD, MRCP, FRCPC - Interventional Cardiology
Last Updated	December 18, 2006

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Last updated:	December 18, 2006
Author:	Monica Rhodes
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Stephen Fort, MD, MRCP, FRCPC - Interventional Cardiology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC

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