I was diagnosed with HOCM a little over a year ago when my primary care doctor Dr. Houston (Mayo, Red Wing) felt that I should have an echocardiogram for my shortness of breath symptoms. That test and a stress test showed I had HOCM and a record gradient of pressure on my heart as well as regurgitation of my mitral valve. I tried Metoprolol and Diltiazem but they did nothing for me so Dr. Ommen (Mayo, Rochester) offered me four options and told me to go with my gut. I did. I chose a myectomy through open heart surgery with Dr Rowse (Mayo, Rochester).
I know of no one in my family who had HMC. Many of my relative have had echos now including my grown children and so far no sign of it. I did the DNA test but I was not in the 17% of known genes.
I’m 73, fairly active, and a grandmas of five. I am seven weeks out from surgery, my shortness of breath is gone, my asthma symptoms are gone and though I still continue to build up my strength, I’m excited about my renewed lease on life.