The tragic case of a 23-year-old girl from Indore who collapsed while dancing at a wedding and later died from suspected sudden cardiac arrest has raised concerns about underlying heart conditions in young individuals. Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) can strike without warning, especially in people with a genetic heart condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).
This incident is not isolated—there have been similar cases where seemingly healthy young individuals, including athletes and fitness enthusiasts, succumbed to heart-related conditions without prior symptoms. Understanding HCM, its detection, and preventive measures is crucial to avoid such tragedies.
What is Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)?
HCM is a genetic heart disorder where the heart muscle thickens (hypertrophy), particularly in the left ventricle, the heart’s main pumping chamber. This thickening disrupts normal blood flow and can interfere with the heart’s electrical system, leading to irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias), sudden cardiac arrest, or even sudden death.
In many cases, HCM remains undiagnosed until a triggering event—such as intense physical activity—provokes a fatal heart rhythm. This is likely what happened in the case of the Indore girl, as her family had a history of heart conditions. Her brother had also passed away due to a cardiac condition at the age of 12, suggesting a genetic predisposition to heart disease.
How Common is HCM?
HCM affects approximately 1 in 500 people, meaning in a country like India with a population of over 1.4 billion, nearly three crore people may have this condition. While 95% of cases are benign, the remaining 5% are life-threatening, particularly if the thickened heart muscle causes severe obstruction or electrical instability. Unfortunately, many cases go undiagnosed until a person suddenly collapses.
How Does HCM Lead to Sudden Cardiac Arrest?
The thickened heart muscle can obstruct blood flow, making it harder for the heart to pump efficiently. This can trigger dangerous heart rhythms, particularly ventricular fibrillation (a rapid, erratic heartbeat that causes the heart to stop pumping blood).
Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating due to these irregular rhythms, preventing oxygenated blood from reaching vital organs. If not treated within minutes, SCA is fatal in 90% of cases.
Symptoms of HCM
Many people with HCM experience no symptoms, which is why it often goes undetected. However, some may experience:
- Shortness of breath (especially during physical activity)
- Chest pain
- Dizziness or fainting
- Palpitations (rapid or irregular heartbeats)
- Fatigue
Can HCM Be Detected Early?
Yes, but early detection requires regular heart screenings, especially for individuals with a family history of sudden cardiac arrest or heart disease.
Diagnostic Tests for HCM:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) – Measures the heart’s electrical activity.
- Echocardiogram – Uses ultrasound to create images of the heart and assess muscle thickness.
- Cardiac MRI – Provides detailed imaging of heart structure and detects fibrosis (scarring).
- Holter Monitor – A 24- to 48-hour heart rhythm monitor to detect abnormal beats.
Those under 18 with a family history should be screened every two years, while those above 18 should get tested every five years. No blood test can confirm HCM, making imaging tests crucial.
Preventive Measures and Treatment
For individuals diagnosed with HCM, treatment depends on risk assessment:
1. High-Risk Cases:
If a person has:
- Severe heart muscle thickening
- Scarring of the heart (>15% fibrosis on MRI)
- Dangerous irregular heartbeats
They may require an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD)—a small device placed under the skin that detects and corrects life-threatening heart rhythms by delivering electric shocks.
💰 Cost of ICD implantation in India: ₹4 to ₹8 lakh (depending on the city).
2. Low-Risk Cases:
Those with mild symptoms do not need an ICD but should:
- Avoid extreme physical exertion
- Monitor heart health regularly
- Take medications (such as beta-blockers to control heart rate)
The Need for Awareness and Routine Screening
Many young people, including athletes and fitness enthusiasts, remain unaware that they may have HCM. Since sudden cardiac arrest is often the first and only symptom, routine heart screenings for at-risk individuals are essential.
This tragic incident in Indore is a reminder that young, healthy-looking individuals can have underlying heart conditions. Families with a history of early heart-related deaths should prioritize genetic screening and preventive cardiology checkups to save lives.
Final Thoughts
Sudden cardiac arrests due to HCM are preventable if detected early. Raising awareness about this genetic condition, encouraging regular screenings, and providing affordable heart care options can help reduce fatalities among young individuals.
If you or someone in your family has a history of heart disease, don’t ignore it—get tested and stay informed.
Disclaimer: This post has been created for informational purposes only. Please consult health experts before taking any action.
Also Read:Â Bangladesh Requested Adani Power to Resume Full Power Supply
Follow Fusion IAS
