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Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the thickening of the muscles that make up the heart. The thickening may interfere with the normal functioning of the heart by:

• narrowing the outflow of the ventricle
• reducing the ability of the heart to relax and fill with blood during the relaxation phase
• reducing the ability of the valves of the heart to function properly

Any situation that increases the contraction or rate of contraction of the heart muscle can worsen these symptoms.

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Review Date: 5/17/2010
Reviewed By: Michael A. Chen, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington Medical School, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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