What is a potential complication of untreated hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?

Untreated hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) can lead to significant complications, one of which is cardiac arrest. HCM is characterized by an abnormal thickening of the heart muscle, particularly the interventricular septum, which can obstruct blood flow and affect the heart's ability to pump effectively. This condition can lead to arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats, which may increase the risk of sudden cardiac arrest, especially during physical exertion or in younger individuals.

In HCM patients, sustained ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation can result from electrical instability created by the hypertrophied myocardium. When the heart enters these dangerous rhythm disturbances, it may stop pumping altogether, leading to cardiac arrest. Early recognition and management of HCM are crucial to preventing these severe outcomes, and patients are often advised to avoid strenuous activities that could trigger such arrhythmias.

While heart failure, pulmonary embolism, and stroke can occur in patients with HCM, they are generally more associated with late or advanced stages of the disease or in conjunction with other risk factors, rather than being primary complications of untreated HCM itself. Cardiac arrest stands out as a direct and immediate risk linked to the inherent pathophysiological features of hypertrophic cardiomy