A new study shows thickening of the heart may put young people at risk for sudden death.The condition is caused by an abnormal heart muscle protein and is noticeable after the growth spurt during puberty. The symptoms may include chest pain, loss of breath on exertion, and a family history of sudden death in young adults. Signs of this condition, known as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, can be seen on an electrocardiogram, but formal diagnosis requires more specialized imaging.
Treatment to correct this abnormal heart condition includes medication, surgery or a defibrillator, a tool that automatically delivers an electric shock when an abnormal heart rhythm develops.At present with the latest technology identification of disease causing genes and the ability to identify at risk patients and prevent sudden death has greatly improved. Thus researchers say with a better understanding of the disease process, targeted treatments to treat symptoms and prevent disease development can be easily devised .
