All great concerns and questions. I was diagnosed about 5 years ago with obstructive HCM—I am currently 75 years old—my initial diagnosis was a mild case and I had no symptoms whatsoever -the doc noticed a slight heart murmur during my yearly physical at the Mayo Clinic. This led to further testing which resulted in the diagnosis.
Everything stayed stable and mild for 2 years - then I started noticing some fatigue and some exertional issues when going up stairs or walking up a hill.
Testing showed a worsening of the disease and mild changes to moderate. I was also put on verapamil. The past year the symptoms have worsened and after my recent round of testing at the Mayo, my cardiologist increased the verapamil dosage and I go back in 3 months —it is starting to look like I may be at the point of Septal Myectomy—which, I have been told is the “Gold Standard” treatment for this disease.
Maybe it’s because of my age, but I do not worry about sudden death. I take comfort that God knew me before I was even knit in my mother’s womb. He knew the moment I would enter the world and He knows the moment I will leave the world. My job is to live the best life I can with the time I am given.
I will be praying 🙏 for you…