Trouble eating with HCM

No problems here with eating other than eating too much.

Thank you for replying! Hopefully his Cardiologist will have answers.

Eating full meals is a challenge with HOCM. I tend to graze throughout the day, ensure I eat lots of veggies and drink lots of water. My “big” meal of the day is an early dinner with small portions, especially when I have meat. I rarely drink alcohol anymore. I get full very fast.

If I overdo it I will have heart palpitations and a fast heartbeat all night long and feel like my heart wants to jump out of my throat. I have obstructive HCM of a moderate kind managed by medication (metoprolol and disopyramide). What helps most is grazing to avoid eating too much at once and drinking lots of water. Hope that helps.

I can't eat before doing anything - even a granola bar makes me later unable to walk about without shortness of breath. Many days when I need to walk I skip meals until I'm back home to rest, which makes my cardiologist a bit testy. I was approved for surgery last year but we've switched to getting me enrolled in the Camzyos program, which will help, I hope!

I have HCM and I found out that one of my main blood vessels from my heart to my stomach was closed at birth. They can reverse this if you are younger but at my age it was suggested I eat smaller portions. I be also was told at my weekly stay at Mayo that I have Functional Dyspepsia which makes it hard to eat bigger portions. So my heart has to work a little harder at digestion.

I don’t feel well after eating. Walking is like walking through mud. Plus the fatigue. I notice my stomach swells like crazy and it doesn’t dissipate. I feel my blood circulation is worse when digesting food. And I wonder if the belly distension is partly mitral valve regurgitation and partly blood rushing to my intestines. Does anyone else have this symptom?

I have read many threads here on Connect that a lot of HOCM and HCM folks have trouble with eating. Especially high fat/carb loaded meals or large amounts. I know this is true for me as well. I can't speak to the involvement of your mitral valve causing this, but have you thought to put it on a list of questions for next time you see your doctor? How have you been feeling since recently starting Camzyos? Have the unwell feelings after eating gotten better?

73 yr old male with HOCM. Started Camzyos one year ago. Long documented history of HOCM frequent syncopy leading to fainting. Onset of syncope with some labored breathing was most often preceded by a meal then getting up to walk, etc.
A very direct relationship that did not get much traction from very good cardiologists other than blood was being directed to stomach and gut for digestion. Before Camzyos 64 oz of water daily with increased moderate salt intake helped. Usually had a light breakfast and skipped lunch to help also. After Camzyos, no syncope! And I lost 10 pounds which I am keeping off.

You must be very pleased with the results of your year on Camzyos @captainterry!
It is a "thing" for sure it seems with many of us HOCM/HCM people, about the bad overall feelings after eating. I'm happy to read that you are doing so well, and I'm jealous you've lost 10 pounds! Since you are a year into this, how often do you go for rechecks with your cardiologist?

We have followed the REM protocol through this point on Camzyos. Currently seeing DR. from 4 to 8 months between visits. Echocardiograms every 3 months. I also have an ICD installed before Camzyos, so I am constantly monitored. The ICD has never made a pacemaker adjustment or given me a shock. Thankfully.