Thick Heart Syndrome: Why 7.2 million Indians are at risk of this hidden threat – The Times of India

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), also called Thick Heart Syndrome, is a genetic condition where the heart muscle becomes too thick, making it harder for the heart to pump blood properly. This can lead to heart failure, irregular heartbeats, and even sudden cardiac death. HCM is caused by gene mutations that affect heart muscle growth and often runs in families. It affects about 1 in 200 people worldwide, with up to 7.2 million people in India possibly affected. HCM can be diagnosed at any age, even in people in their 90s.

Symptoms of Thick Heart Syndrome (HCM)

According to Dr. Richa Pandey, Washington university trained nephrologist, MD medicine DM Nephrology, “Many people with HCM have no symptoms and may not know they have it, making it a silent killer. However, some may experience shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, fainting, or a racing heartbeat, especially during exercise. Doctors can sometimes detect HCM during a physical exam by hearing a heart murmur or noticing signs of poor blood flow. If you experience dizziness or chest pain while exercising, stop immediately and seek medical attention, as these could be signs of HCM or other serious heart issues.”

Diagnosis of Thick Heart Syndrome

Diagnosis usually involves simple tests like an electrocardiogram (ECG) and an echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) to measure heart muscle thickness. In some cases, an MRI may be needed for a clearer picture. Genetic testing can help confirm HCM and identify at-risk family members.
According to Jitendra Chouksey, founder and CEO, Fittr, “The condition is autosomal dominant, meaning each child of an affected parent has a 50% chance of inheriting the mutation. However, even without a family history, HCM can still occur due to de novo mutations. Since HCM runs in families, close relatives of someone with HCM should be tested regularly. Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage symptoms and prevent complications.”

Treatment for Thick Heart Syndrome

Treatment depends on the severity of the condition. Medications like beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers can help the heart relax and improve blood flow. In severe cases, surgery to reduce muscle thickness or an implantable defibrillator (ICD) to prevent sudden cardiac death may be needed.

The alarming part is that India lacks a central registry for tracking HCM cases, and there are no mandatory screening programs for high-risk individuals. Unlike some countries, we don’t have awareness campaigns or screening programs to detect HCM.
It’s crucial that we educate people about the risks and importance of screening, especially for those with family history. A simple ECG and echocardiogram can detect HCM, and preventive measures can be taken to mitigate risks. With thousands of lives at stake, it’s time for India to wake up to the threat of HCM and take action to prevent unnecessary deaths.