@thehellyousay and @lucy4 I first read, when learning about this condition, that HCM affects 1 in about 500 people as you noted; lately I read that the latest numbers for the occurrence of HCM may be closer to 1 in 250. That's from the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association website (4HCM.org). Imagine! That's quite a lot of people! A little more awareness or some other reason? I always had echocardiograms which monitored the increasing thickness over the years until I went to Mayo for surgery. Another echocardiogram, of course, during the preliminary testing along with my first MRI. @boatsforlife shared a very helpful story, thank you. I encourage you to be a very persistent squeaky wheel (a pest) in getting the answers you need based on your tests and family history and to trust your instincts. May I suggest looking at the 4HCM.org website and completing an intake interview with them? Here is a link right to the intake information page: https://www.4hcm.org/education-and-support. The people there are experts in navigating a route to the best professional and reliable care based on individual needs at no cost to you. Wishing you success!