Atrial Fibrillation, the normal regular rhythm of the heart beat is lost and replaced by an irregular rhythm which may be episodic or persistent. Anticoagulants and drugs to slow the heart rate are required. This is an infection of the heart which occurs rarely in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. Bacteria in the bloodstream can stick to the inside of the heart where it has been roughened by turbulent blood flow. Overall, in patients with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy there is an increased risk of premature death, which can occur with little or no warning.
Sudden death can strike at any age.
In the past the risk of sudden death was thought to be much higher than we believe it to be today. There are members of the HCM population at a higher risk for sudden death and for those at higher risk it is advised they consult with their health care provider about receiving an implantable defibrillator. There is a slight possibility that some drugs may decrease the degree of muscle thickening. However, no treatment has been shown to return the heart to normal. Research continues in this area.