Is stress a factor in HOCM symptoms?

Posted by mrsblueskies @mrsblueskies, May 28 2:48pm

I am trying to navigate recent diagnosis and symptoms. After first being officially diagnosed and medication started (Verapamil), I ended up in ER due to chest pains, leading to a stay in ICU. I had been under a lot of stress just prior and now my family are convinced that my symptoms are related to how much stress I am experiencing. (honestly, THEY are causing me stress by nagging me : ) ) I'm trying to eliminate as much stress from my life as possible, but I also am not sure there is a pattern to my 'good days' and 'bad days'.

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manuelpo | @manuelpo | May 29 9:06am

Dear Ms. @mrsblueskies

My Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCOM) got worst while I was under a lot of stress working 80 hours a week at the patent office for 6 years and a half. The stress increased my blood pressure which was not well controlled by the medication (150 mg Metoprolol succinate ER and 40 mg Benicar). The increase in blood pressure generated my HCOM to go from moderate (1.1 cm left ventricular wall thickness called "septum") to unbelievable (2.2 cm blocking almost 90% of the lower left side of my heart). This condition was also generated when I got Covid 19 last year which increased my blood pressure for many weeks.
My Cardiologist of 14 years referred me to a Cardiologyst that does open heart surgery (1 option) and also he is licensed to prescribe Camzyos. Thank God the Camzyos 5 mg is working really well on me and my septum in only 1 week started to reduce so now in 9 weeks of treatment my Echocardiogram shows that the setpum reduced from 2.2 cm to 1.4 cm so I can breath better and my side effect on camzyos was rarely a little dizziness so my body is adjusted now with no side effects at all.
STRESS played a big part of it (the HCOM is gene family inherited) for making the septum growth more so now, I quit that stressful job, took early retirement and adjusted my finances so I do not need to work for at least the next 4 years. I am planning to work self employed (stress free) in software engineering (I hold a MS Petroleum Engineering) starting next year. The camzyos treatment I estimate will be about 12 to 14 months.
I play soft music that relaxes me throughout the day and I recorded songs that I put on youtube that allow me to relax and live with no stress. Also I take walks outdoors to relax while listening to some music I recorded that I enjoy. I have a family to support so I cannot afford to be sick with HCOM for the rest of my life or have an open heart surgery that may not solve the problem 100%.
I hope my experience I shared with you helps you. I hope you get better and please do not let the STRESS be present since life is to enjoy and not to suffer all we have to go through.