Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

HCM can be improved and controlled by treatment including:

  • Drugs to control dangerous heart rhythms and relax the heart, allowing it to fill more easily;
  • Fitting a pacemaker to allow the heart to work in a more efficient manner; and
  • Implanting a defibrillator to prevent arrhythmias and sudden death.

Surgery may be necessary:

  • To remove part of the septum that is blocking the outflow tract; or
  • To repair or replace a damaged mitral valve.

For most children this surgery is low risk, but it depends on how well your child is otherwise. The doctors will discuss risks with you in detail before asking you to consent to the operation.

For open heart surgery the length of time in hospital will usually only be 10 to 12 days, of which one or two will be spent in the intensive care and high dependency unit. Of course, this depends on how well your child is before and after the surgery, and whether any complications arise.

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Author(s): Children’s Heart Federation
Last updated: 2009-12-09