However, in almost 30% of HCM cases only one segment of the left ventricle develops hypertrophy. The patterns of LV wall thickening is also diverse as is the thickness of the LV, which ranges from anywhere between 21 mm (average) to even 60 mm in some patients. It remains a sad fact that screening programs in the form of preparticipation evaluation based on familial history and electrocardiography does not reveal much. A recent study showed that a preparticipation screening for 115 high school and college athletes who later succumbed to sudden death could identify only 3% of them as at risk. This study also revealed that LVH is very mild and not obvious in adolescents and therefore electrocardiography readings are not diagnostically conclusive. [Maron] Treatment

Since there is not complete cure for the condition, treatment is purely symptomatic. Typically beta blockers (which reduce ventricular contraction), calcium channel blockers that slow the racing heart and reduce blood pressure and other drugs used in the treatment of arrhythmias are used. In cases that do not respond well to medicine, surgical interventions such as myectomy (removing the thickened region), alcohol septal ablation (to reduce hypertrophy of upper septum) and implantation of dual chamber pace makers are tried based on the individuals condition. [CMA]

Conclusion

The predominantly asymptomatic nature of the condition and the difficulties in the diagnostic process and the sudden and lethal nature of the disorder...

The 26th Bethesda conference had stipulated eligibility guidelines and disqualification criteria for athletes participating in sports activities requiring physical exertion. As per its released statement, "Athletes with the unequivocal diagnosis of HCM should not participate in most competitive sports, with the possible exception of those of low intensity. This recommendation includes those athletes with or without symptoms and with or without left ventricular outflow obstruction" [Maron] at present there is no available treatment that could reverse the condition of the heart to a normal healthy state and all treatments are symptomatic. It is hoped that in the near future advancements in genetic engineering and molecular biology would provide a cure for this rare, silent but deadly cardiac abnormality.
Bibliography

CMA, "Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy," Accessed on April 16th 2008, available at http://www.cardiomyopathy.org/index.php?id=49

Barry J. Maron, MD, "Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: Practical Steps for Preventing Sudden Death," the Physician and Sports Medicine, VOL 30 - NO.1 - JANUARY 2002, Available online at, http://www.physsportsmed.com/issues/2002/01_02/maron.htm

Cleveland Clinic, "Cleveland Clinic," Accessed on April 16th 2008, Available at, http://www.clevelandclinic.org/heartcenter/pub/guide/disease/hcm/default.htm#affected