Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a condition that thickens some of the heart’s muscles, making it harder to pump blood.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) usually affects the ventricular septum, which is located between your right and left ventricles (the lower chambers of your heart). A thicker ventricular septum takes up more space and can affect blood flow, especially through the left ventricle.

HCM is genetic, so if one person has the condition, others in the family should also get checked. Symptoms include fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain, or an irregular heart rate. Sometimes, there are no symptoms.

HCM can be diagnosed with an echocardiogram, a test that shows an image of your heart. Other tests may also be needed. Over time, HCM can worsen, so managing the condition is important.

Many people with HCM take medications to manage their symptoms, while some need surgeries or procedures to improve blood flow through the heart.

Explore what a typical heart looks like versus what it looks like with HCM in the interactive experience below.