Disease: Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy (HOCM)
Symptoms: Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity or exertion, chest pain or discomfort, dizziness or lightheadedness, fainting or near-fainting episodes, heart palpitations (rapid or irregular heartbeat), fatigue, swelling in the ankles, feet, or legs
Treatments: Medications to relieve symptoms and improve heart function (such as beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and disopyramide), medications to prevent abnormal heart rhythms (such as anti-arrhythmic drugs), medications to reduce blood clotting (such as aspirin or anticoagulants), implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) placement (to monitor and correct abnormal heart rhythms), septal myectomy (surgical removal of a portion of the thickened heart muscle), alcohol septal ablation (destruction of excess heart muscle with alcohol injection), lifestyle modifications (such as avoiding strenuous activities, managing stress, and maintaining a healthy weight), regular follow-up visits with a cardiologist