Lifestyle Guidelines for Patients with HCM

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients can play a major role in their own treatment by living a healthy lifestyle, staying fit, and avoiding activities that can compromise their condition. Your heart's ability to compensate for a stiff and sluggish muscle is directly related to your overall fitness level, so it is important to:

• Get regular physical exercise, at a level approved by your physician-walking and biking in moderation can increase your endurance and contribute to your general sense of well-being
• Avoid intense burst of exercise, weightlifting, and competitive sports
• Don't lift heavy objects while performing household chores
• Avoid environmental extremes (heat/cold)
• Follow a heart-healthy diet
• Stay hydrated: keep drinking water throughout the day
• Pay strict attention to dental hygiene: a minor, untended gum infection can spread to the heart, leading to endocarditis
• Watch any cuts or scratches for signs of infection
• Learn how to manage stress through meditation, biofeedback, or relaxation exercises
• Consult your physician before using alcohol or caffeine
• Don't smoke
• Don't do street drugs (cocaine and methamphetamines are extremely dangerous for HCM patients)
• Don't take diet pills or over-the-counter cold medications
• Avoid hot tubs and saunas
• Be sure to keep regular appointments with your cardiologist to monitor your condition
• Keep an list of the medications you take, their dosages, route of administration and frequency of use