Young athletes diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy don’t have to be benched, thanks to advances in cardiac care.
In years past, a young athlete diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy might have been told to give up on dreams of sporting greatness. But improvements in care now mean many at-risk kids, like Jake Burnam can stay in the game.
HCM Can Cause of Sudden Cardiac Death
Jake was just 11 years old when he lost consciousness while running laps in gym class.
A series of specialized tests revealed he had HCM, an inherited condition that thickens heart tissue and makes it difficult for the heart to pump blood effectively. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can present at any age, but when it isn’t recognized early, it’s the leading cause of sudden cardiac death in young athletes.
Sports that require sudden bursts of movement, like football, basketball or hockey, carry a higher risk of triggering serious cardiac events, but young athletes like Jake can learn to recognize early symptoms and seek immediate help.
Recognizing the Warning Signs
Early detection is key to managing HCM and preventing life-threatening complications like heart attack and stroke.
Symptoms such as chest pain, dizziness, fainting and irregular or racing heartbeats should never be ignored. Athletes experiencing any of these signs should seek medical evaluation immediately, whether they have a hypertrophic cardiomyopathy diagnosis or not.
HCM does not discriminate by age, gender or ethnicity. For those who know the heart condition will be a part of their lives, personalized treatment and routine monitoring can help reduce risks – and keep athletes training and competing safely.
Innovations Keep Athletes in the Game
With close monitoring, lifestyle adjustments, and medical interventions, individuals diagnosed with HCM can lead full and active lives. Modern tools like implantable defibrillators, new treatments that address the underlying cause of the disease, and support from coaches and trainers can further protect against serious incidents.
Improved screening methods, enhanced imaging technology and personalized treatment plans have reshaped how HCM is managed in athletes. Rather than imposing blanket restrictions, clinicians now evaluate each case individually to determine safe levels of participation. High-profile athletes, including at least one NBA player, have shown that with access to the right care, it is possible to excel in competitive sports despite an HCM diagnosis.
A Future of Informed Decisions
With greater awareness, early detection and medical advancements, athletes with HCM can make informed decisions about their health and athletic careers. While precautions will continue to be necessary, the outlook for young athletes with HCM is more optimistic than ever before.
And ongoing research should continue being used to refine guidelines, giving young athletes reason to believe they will be able to remain engaged in the sports they love.
