Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy risk factors for sudden death

Overview
Patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy are increased risk of sudden cardiac death. Identification of those patients at an increased risk can facilitate early treatment with an automatic implantable cardiac defibrillator.

Risk Factors for Sudden Death in Patients with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Risk factors for sudden death in individuals with HCM include :
 * A young age at first diagnosis (age < 30 years)
 * An episode of aborted sudden death
 * A family history of HCM with sudden death of relatives
 * Specific mutations in the genes encoding for troponin T and myosin
 * Sustained supraventricular or ventricular tachycardia
 * Ventricular septal wall thickness over 3 cm
 * A hypotensive response to exercise
 * Recurrent syncope (especially in children)
 * Bradyarrhythmias (slow rhythms of the heart).