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Weight Lifting and exercise with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: Tips?
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) | Last Active: Nov 6, 2025 | Replies (45)Comment receiving replies
@hocmgirl I am new to this diagnosis, and still learning how to listen to my body. I was told to stick to low impact and especially no sudden changes with exertion (like doing squats quickly). Be over hydrated, 1.5 cups of coffee or equivalent per day, don't get overheated, and they are considering a pacemaker as my heart rate is already low (40's and 50's). I am a 60 year old female. I will stick with low impact exercise bike, swimming or walking. Until this is stabilized, I will take it easy. I work in an elementary school, so that alone gives me physical activity!
Replies to "@hocmgirl I am new to this diagnosis, and still learning how to listen to my body...."
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Hello @scot1965, and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect!
I found this article from the Mayo Clinic that addresses exercise guidelines. There have been updates to the old school thinking, take a look:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/medical-professionals/cardiovascular-diseases/news/new-hypertrophic-cardiomyopathy-clinical-guideline-recommends-novel-drug-therapy-and-regular-exercise/mac-20569318
Since you are new to the thing living inside your chest, you came to the right place for information from other patients, just like you.
Each one of us has a lot in common, but we also have different doctors, medications and tolerances too. Here is another link from Mayo Clinic that has some good information:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/hypertrophic-cardiomyopathy-clinic/overview/ovc-20442502
And since you work in an elementary school, here is some more homework:
https://www.4hcm.org/
One thing is for certain; being the healthiest person you can be is the best thing you can do for yourself, regardless of HCM. Walking is my favorite thing to do. It is like free therapy!
I was super active before my diagnosis, and that was a good thing going into open heart surgery.
I would encourage you to learn as much as you can about this condition, and make certain your doctor is up-to-date on HCM and HOCM. Don't be afraid to seek a second, or even a third opinion. This is your life, you only get one, and you need to be your own best friend!
When do you see your doctor again? When is your next echo? This is a sneaky condition and things can change rapidly. Or they can go on the same for years...