My Doctor Discussion Guide

Answer a few questions and get a personalized guide to help you talk with your doctor about whether your symptoms could be due to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) or another condition.

Anytime you have unexplained symptoms, it’s important to talk with your doctor. Symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, rapid heartbeat, unexplained fatigue, dizziness, and fainting can be signs of HCM or other conditions, and only your doctor can tell you if you could have HCM.

DID YOU KNOW

Symptoms of HCM can develop at any age and progress over time.

HCM is a lifelong disease where the heart muscle wall thickens, stiffens, and makes it harder for the heart to pump oxygenated blood throughout the body.

Left undiagnosed and unmanaged, HCM can lead to serious complications, such as heart failure, atrial fibrillation (AFib), and stroke.

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Step 1 Tell us about your symptoms

First, describe your symptoms and how they affect you.

1Which of these possible symptoms below have you experienced over the last 2 months?
Select all that apply.

Shortness of breath

Chest pain

Rapid heartbeat

Unexplained
tiredness

Feeling dizzy or
light-headed

Fainting

Fatigue

2Do your symptoms only show up or get worse with physical exertion?

Yes

3Which of the activities below have been difficult for you to perform because of your symptoms?
Select all that apply.

Walking

Climbing stairs

Exercising

Standing

Dressing and
grooming

Shopping

Household chores
(such as cooking or
cleaning)

Performing my job

None of the above

You’ll be able to include any additional activities or details you wish to provide later in your printed guide.

4Have you noticed yourself making changes to your activities or lifestyle due to your symptoms?

Yes

Not sure

If you answered “Yes” or “Not sure,” you’ll be able to include any details you wish to provide later in your printed guide.

Step 2 Your health history

HCM is the most commonly inherited heart disease and its symptoms can be like those of other health conditions. These are some of the reasons why your doctor will want to know about your health as well as your family’s health.

5The following conditions share symptoms with HCM. Have you been previously diagnosed with any of the following conditions?
Please select all that apply and tell your doctor.

Anxiety

Asthma

Heart murmur

Mitral valve prolapse (MVP)

Heart failure

Coronary heart disease

High blood pressure

Abnormal heart rhythm (such as atrial fibrillation, or AFib)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Other types of cardiomyopathy

None of the above

6HCM can be inherited.
Are you aware of any family members who have cardiac issues, unexplained deaths, or who have been diagnosed with HCM–such as parents or grandparents, aunts or uncles, siblings, or cousins?

Yes

Not sure

If you answered “Yes” or “Not sure,” you’ll be able to include any details you wish to provide later in your printed guide.

Step 3 Current treatments and test results

Your doctor will also want to know if and how you are treating your symptoms, as well as the results of any tests that were done to evaluate the health of your heart.

7If you’re treating your symptoms but they’re not getting better, what are you taking or what have you tried?
Please select all that apply and discuss with your doctor. You’ll be able to include any details you wish to provide later in your printed guide.

Prescription medicines, including any taken as needed

Over-the-counter medications

Supplements

8 Have you ever had an electrocardiogram (ECG), stress test, or echocardiogram (“echo”)? Please tell your doctor if the results were abnormal,
as well as the month and year of your test if you can recall it.

Yes

Not sure

If you answered “Yes” or “Not sure,” you’ll be able to include any details you wish to provide later in your printed guide.

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