at 76 years old just diagnosed now? it shows in tests. Heredity

Well, 76 isn't too old to be diagnosed. I was diagnosed in 2022 at the age of 78. I also had no symptoms except was having plapatations and thought I might need Thyroid meds changed. When my thyroid was ok, my very thorough primary care provider started ordering tests beginning with an ECG. As one test was abnormal she continued with echo and then a recommended MRI. Turns out I have Apical HCM. I sure don't know which parent had this, but definitely hereditary as my oldest daughter also found it when she was screened. Since that time, it has progressed with persistent Afib showing its ugly face and increased thickening at the apex with a high grade of diastolic dysfunction and a pouch (not quite an aneurysm) on the apex. Despite this, the only symptoms I have happen when I am in Afib. Meds are helping that; haven't had an episode for 9 months. I see a genetic cardiologist at the HCM Clinic at Mayo, Rochester. If you have not yet looked for a COE, I highly recommend you do so. Check out the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association website http://www.4hcm.org. Consider joining as they can help find care with an HCM specialist and they have much good info. They also have a facebook page with great information. Good luck on your HCM journey.

I was also diagnosed at 76. I’d had symptoms for many years but no one thought it was HOCM. I’ve been taking Camzyos for 2 1/2 years and it eliminated the obstruction but still get out of breath on exertion
Good luck

Hello @cathysheridan, and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect.
Being diagnosed at any age with HCM can take you by surprise. The good news is you made it to 76 with this condition and didn't know you had it...that may not sound like good news, but when you think of all the symptoms and even death that occur with this, it is.
You don't mention much in your discussion, and you don't share what your symptoms are, but you can learn a lot here on Connect. Have you have a chance to process this whole new thing?
@emo44 gave a nice response to you with good information.
This is what our HCM community here on Connect does to help each other.
We are here to help. Each one of us has a different place where we are, just beginning, like you, or well into it.
I would encourage you to learn as much as you can, so that as you go forward with in your process, you will be informed and can help the medical team as they help you.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypertrophic-cardiomyopathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20350198
https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/hypertrophic-cardiomyopathy-clinic/overview/ovc-20442502
When do you see your cardiologist again?