When Does Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Develop?
Although hypertrophy may be present at birth or in childhood, it is much more common for the heart to appear normal at this time. Occasionally, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy is the cause of a stillbirth or develops during infancy, with heart failure which may be fatal. However, hypertrophy more commonly develops in association with growth and is usually apparent by the late teens or early twenties. After this time it appears that there is no significant change in muscle thickness in the years of adult life. Children and adolescents with the condition usually come to attention when a family screening is performed after an adult in the family is found to be affected. Approximately 50% of adults with the condition present with symptoms. In the remainder the diagnosis is made during family screening or following the detection of a murmur or abnormality on routine electrocardiogram (ECG).
