Learning About Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
- Some people have claimed that Elvis Presley had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy when he died.
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is a disease where the heart muscle becomes abnormally thickened which can make it more difficult for this organ to pump blood. This, in turn, can lead to various complications and, in a small number of cases, life-threatening abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) or even sudden death.
- Living with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) can be challenging for some, but there are lifestyle changes like regular exercise, avoiding substances that put strain on the heart and minimizing your salt intake that can help.
Still a staple of pop culture today, the late singer’s name has been buzzing even more than usual with the release of the new Elvis Presley biopic. The movie, Elvis, stars Austin Butler as the “King of Rock and Roll” and Tom Hanks as his manager, Col. Tom Parker.
Looking Back on Elvis’ Death
Read MoreOne doctor announced that “preliminary autopsy findings” found the cause of death to be cardiac arrhythmia, an abnormal heartbeat resulting from malfunctioning electrical impulses that govern your heartbeat, according to PBS NewsHour.
But pathologists later revealed that drugs were a part of the equation. Once the toxicology report came back, Elvis’ blood was found to have very high levels of opiates and quaaludes a type of sedative. Pathologists also found evidence of severe and chronic constipation, diabetes and glaucoma (a group of eye diseases).
Dr. Howard Markel of PBS Newshour claims that Elvis’ death was “quite common,” but “embarrassing.”
“Elvis was sitting on the toilet, straining very hard to have a bowel movement a maneuver that put a great amount of pressure on his heart and aorta,” Dr. Markel wrote. “Thus, he likely died of a massive heart attack and keeled over onto the floor. But Elvis was not suffering from garden-variety constipation at the time of his death. Indeed, his medicine chest was filled with amber-colored, white-topped vials of medications, in doses no responsible doctor would have prescribed.”
Dr. Markel also wrote that a few geneticists who later claimed to have performed a DNA analysis on a lock of Elvis's hair suggested that Elvis had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. And while this may or may not be true, it’s worth looking into this disease which is present in 1 in every 500 people, according to the American Heart Association estimates, though a large percentage of people are undiagnosed.
Understanding Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is a disease where the heart muscle becomes abnormally thickened which can make it more difficult for this organ to pump blood. This, in turn, can lead to various complications and, in a small number of cases, life-threatening abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) or even sudden death.
What Is the Heart Condition, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)? What Are the Symptoms?
A doctor may suspect you have HCM if you come to them with the following symptoms:
- Chest pain, especially during exercise
- Fainting, especially during or immediately after exercise
- Heart murmur (an extra noise heard during heartbeat)
- Sensation of rapid blood, fluttering or pounding heart beats
- Shortness of breath, especially during exercise
- Fatigue
Additionally, your doctor might think you have HCM if a close family member has the disease, but it's important to note that not all people with HCM have a documented family history or even display symptoms.
"There could be no symptoms, and, if there are symptoms, typically they will start off as shortness of breath, or … shortness of breath on exertion," Dr. Philip Weintraub, a cardiology specialist based in New York, told SurvivorNet. "The development can progress to where there will be chest pains. There could be chronic fatigue. There could be elements of feeling faint [or] passing out.
"So, the spectrum is rather great, and it is associated with the severity of the cardiomyopathy itself. Symptoms, when they occur, generally lead to a dialogue between patient and physician and the physician must keep all options open as to what might be going on."
Treatment for people with HCM can vary from case to case depending upon factors like your overall health and the severity of the disease. But even people who do not need immediate treatment should consider making changes that will allow them to better take care of themselves.
Treating Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): What are the Options?
"HCM must be looked at as a lifestyle changer," Dr. Weintraub said.
He recommends people with HCM avoid any illicit drugs and cut back on alcohol.
"You don't want to invite other agents that might be toxic to the heart muscle," he said. "You do not want to use illicit drugs, especially cocaine. You don't want to use alcohol because alcohol itself could act as a depressant."
'A Lifestyle Changer': Healthy Habits to Adopt After an HCM Diagnosis
Otherwise, he recommends HCM patients adopt the following healthy habits.
- Moderate exercise
- Maintaining weight
- Getting on a healthy sleep schedule
- Discussing/managing stress
- Avoiding substances that put strain on the heart
- Minimizing your salt intake
Additionally, Dr. Weintraub wants people with HCM to prioritize finding a strong support system as they navigate life with the disease.
"You need to live in an environment where you can share what's going on with you because we see many patients who are afraid of what's wrong with them, withdraw, isolate and develop certain types of depressions," he explained.
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