General
Hypertrophic (Obstructive) Cardiomyopathy (HOCM or HCM) is a condition that is rather complex in nature. In this context we will try to give a simple overview of the condition, with an emphasis of the auscultatory findings related to it. We suggest for our readers  a visit to www.hcma-heart.com, the website of the Hypoertrophic Cardiomyopathi Association for further reading. Also, the various textbooks in cardiovascular medicine will elaborate extensively on this.

Cardiomyopathy is a general term used to describe a number of conditions affecting the heart muscle. Hypertrophy is a term used to describe excessive development of an organ or part; specifically : increase in bulk (as by thickening of muscle fibers)

HCM refers to a specific and genetic condition in which we find a hypertrophied left ventricle (asymmetric thickening of the wall usually most prominently involving the ventricular septum) without abnormal enlargement of the ventricular cavities.
The cause of the abnormal structure of the ventricular wall and septum has its background in muscular cells that are arranged in a disarrayed manner. The exact cause of this disarray is not entirely known, but the result is an excessive thickening of the heart muscle in the areas mentioned.

There are also many uncertainties as regard to the actual extent of HCM as there may be a large number that goes undetected. It is estimated that HCM has a prevalence between 1/500 to 1/1000 according to a study done  by Dr. Barry Maron of the Minneapolis Heart Institute, August 1995.

One of the main problems with HCM is sudden death, particularly in young athletes where this condition has been present without any history of symptoms. (In fact, HCM is regarded as the most common cause of sudden death in athletes under the age of 30)   In these cases, it shows how important it is for the family doctor to note the presence of the hallmark of HCM; a systolic murmur.