There is one treatment available that significantly reduces the risk of SCD: implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs).
These small, battery-powered devices, which are implanted under the skin near the collarbone, monitor the individual’s heart rate continuously and correct any irregularities.
“The only thing that is guaranteed to prevent SCD is an ICD,” says Ronald Wharton, MD, the director of the hypertrophic cardiomyopathy program at Northwell Health North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, New York. Indeed, ICDs have led to a 10-fold decrease in SCDs among people with HCM since healthcare providers first started using the devices as an HCM treatment in the early 2000s.
With that said, ICDs may not be best for everyone, as they come with some drawbacks like an increased risk of infection. Talk with your cardiologist about whether an ICD may be right for you.
Being proactive about your HCM care matters, too. “Staying engaged in regular cardiology follow-up appointments, taking prescribed medications, and avoiding dehydration are all important,” says Steitieh.
It’s also wise to adopt and maintain lifestyle habits that support your overall heart health. “Healthy lifestyle habits matter,” says Dr. Wharton. Talk with your doctor about an appropriate exercise routine (mild to moderate activity is usually okay), eat a heart healthy diet, maintain a healthy weight, get enough sleep, and avoid or quit smoking.
These habits won’t directly affect your SCD risk, but they can reduce your chances of experiencing other heart-related complications like heart disease, says Wharton.
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