A17-year-old boy is being treated in the icu after going into cardiac arrest during a football practice. diagnostic testing reveals cardiomyopathy as the cause of the arrest. what type of cardiomyopathy is particularly common among young people who appear otherwise healthy?

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Explanation:

  Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a common cause of sudden death in young athletes. The disease is characterized by hypertrophy (overdevelopment) of the heart muscle. It can reach any area of the organ, but the most common is affecting the septum region, the part that divides the heart cavities. The septum, which is less than one centimeter thick, can double or triple in volume in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.  

    In some cases, this abnormal increase in heart volume generates an obstruction that affects blood flow. What happens is that when the heart beats by moving parts of the muscle to pump blood, flow is hampered because it encounters a barrier in the area increased by thickening.

  The most common symptoms are shortness of breath, fainting (usually during or after physical exertion), chest pain (during or after physical activity). When observing them, it is important to seek medical attention, as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can cause arrhythmia and lead to sudden death. Sometimes the person has no symptoms and eventually discovers the disease during a routine checkup or cardiac assessment to go to the gym or do some competitive sports.

  Usually is associated with genetic factors. Therefore, it cannot be prevented. But it is recommended that people who have family members with the disease take tests for control and follow-up.