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HCM-ers: Introduce yourself or just say hi
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) | Last Active: Nov 14, 2025 | Replies (1089)Comment receiving replies
Hi Group!
Newbie here. Still having a hard time digesting the recent echo results. Short story, 57 active long-distance runner past decade until hip issues past couple years. Pre-op for hip replacement found a 2/6 systolic murmur, sent me for an echo. Test revealed discrete upper (basal) septal hypertrophy 13 mm as well as ascending aorta 4.0 cm. Most likely due to borderline hypertension. I’ve not had symptoms, aside from perhaps pounding heart sensation at times, though I live not been as active the last 12 months while my hip was deteriorating. Scheduled to see PCP to initiate anti hypertensives and Brigham/Women’s cardiology, but not scheduled for 2 months out. Wondering if anyone have experience with septal bulge regressing with just good antihypertensive control? Also, for folks with HCM with or without symptoms, monitored over time, what experience with how stable or change by year, progression? Was hoping once hip was fixed, could get back into regular activity, after healing - not sure how ready to take on these more serious issues 🙁 Thank you for letting me join! Chris
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@cjs11 Hey to a fellow Bostonian, Chris. I had my septal myectomy in July across the street from Brigham & Women's, at the Beth Israel Deaconess (but got a second opinion from the excellent B&W folks).
I'm 73, was told I had a heart murmur when in my 20s or so, but no HCM diagnosis until 6 or 8 years ago, based on echocardiogram and MRI results, but no symptoms that I felt until the summer of 2024 (mainly shortness of breath, but not too bad, and occasional lightheadedness, and I fainted once. My septum measured 2.1 I think it was, pre-op, now 1.1 post-surgery.
I had always been active (bicycling, swimming, hiking, gym, etc.) and kept up activity (at a slower pace) for the year I was symptomatic, right up to my surgery. So of course each case (patient) is different, but I'd expect your docs will encourage you to return to physical activity once your hip allows. I'm getting more and more active 3 months post-op, and feeling good.