cramping around heart

HCM involves thickened heart muscle (usually the left ventricle), which can obstruct blood flow, increase oxygen demand on the heart, and reduce efficient pumping. Common symptoms include:
Chest pain or pressure (often described as tightness, squeezing, or discomfort — sometimes feeling cramp-like.
Shortness of breath.
Fatigue.
Palpitations or dizziness.

Heat exacerbates this because:
Your body works harder to cool itself (heart rate rises, blood vessels dilate).
Sweating leads to fluid/electrolyte loss → dehydration lowers blood volume, making the heart work even harder and potentially worsening obstruction or reducing oxygen supply to the thickened muscle.
This can intensify angina-like chest pain, fatigue, and other symptoms.

I usually start the spring feeling pretty good. I think every spring, I am getting better. Then August hits and I am so sore and tired, I rarely go out. I would check with doctor to see if you are having any issues retaining fluid. If not, you might try increasing your salt and water intake during summer. The salt will help you retain some water and stay hydrated. Very important to speak to doc about it. If you are retaining fluids, the increase in salt could cause you to retain too much fluid, and make symptoms worse. I have learned it is a delicate balance.

Magnesium might offer some indirect help for your symptoms. Talk to your doctor about having your magnesium level checked during times of soreness. Magnesium supports muscle relaxation, electrolyte balance, and body temperature regulation. Summer heat increases sweat loss, which depletes magnesium and can worsen dehydration-related cramps or discomfort. Many people notice fewer muscle cramps with adequate levels during hot weather.

I felt this a few times and occasionally it would take my breath away. Especially after eating. Actually went to ER by ambulance once. Found out was severe indigestion which is common with HOCM apparently. I’ve adjusted my portion sizes and take nexium. This has fairly eliminated it. The effects of HOCM on our bodies is staggering Every day a new adventure Hope you find relief soon

Besides discussing this feeling with your doctor, be sure you are well hydrated. Ask about magnesium, I take a supplement and my bloodwork report shows the levels are within the normal range.

Not sure if my cramping is the same as your. But mine can feel very tight. It can last for a minute or hours. I also get leg and foot cramping I can look at my calfs and watch them twitch, this is very different from what my heart is doing. My heart is just a long cramp that I describe as tightness. I am hoping the upcoming surgery relieves this.
Jeanne

You need to go strait to the hospital now with your heart call 911 now please

@jeannelamana Sounds like low potassium, this is dangerous, would head to ER

@jeannelamana It's always good to err on the side of caution - check this out ASAP, We do not give medical advice, chances are that bloodwork will be ordered. Anything lacking will show up and be treated.

Interested to see what others will say about this cause i had the same thing several hours yesterday. It just hurt ! Didnt experience sob not dizzy- not feeling faint but it hurt like if someone comes up and pinches you but doesnt let go. Felt like they were pinching places on my heart pain level was around 3 would go to 4 but quickly come back down. Wasnt convinced it was a heart prob since coukd breathe fine heart rate normal bp ok figured it surely had to do with over used muscles but got up this morning to no pain at all -- if it was overworked muscle i think itd still be there

I continue to have this sensation periodically, but it does go away. Sorry you had this, but I do know how it feels:0

@deedee1958 and @bbuck What does your doctor say? I encourage you to ask. it could be nothing or it could be something that can further develop into a more serious situation.