One of the contraindications of EECP is called Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is the most common inherited heart condition, affecting 1 out of 500 in the population. In this condition, the heart muscle is abnormally thick. Many individuals with HCM have no symptoms, while others may have shortness of breath, chest pain, palpitations, lightheadedness, or fainting episodes. Symptoms sometimes occur because of muscle thickening obstructing blood flow from the heart, and this obstruction can be treated with medications or with surgical intervention. Evaluation of the whole family is important since the condition is often passed on to the next generation of a family but may not cause symptoms initially. Some individuals with HCM have a high risk of developing dangerous abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) and may benefit from implantable defibrillators. Fortunately, with a thorough evaluation and appropriate management, the majority of individuals with HCM live full and productive lives.
