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).
| Author: | Monica Rhodes | Last Updated: December 18, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Stephen Fort, MD, MRCP, FRCPC - Interventional Cardiology | |
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