Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: A deadly disease that often goes undetected

Jan 19 2010

The tragic news of Chicago Bears defensive end Gaines Adams, 26, and Southern Indiana center Jeron Lewis, 21, whose sudden deaths are both suspected to be from Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), are vital reminders that this deadly disease often goes undetected.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), a genetic disease which results in a thickening of the heart muscle, is the leading cause of sudden death in children and young adults. It accounts for 40 percent of all deaths on athletic playing fields across the country.

Marcia Kelley-Clark, chief deputy coroner for Greenwood County, S.C., said Gaines Adams' relatives were not aware of any kind of medical condition.

University of Southern Indiana spokesman Dan McDonnell said he wasn't aware of any preexisting medical conditions that could have contributed to Jeron's death.

Estimated to affect one in 500 Americans, HCM can be detected and treated allowing patients to live long lives.

College and professional athletes should all have comprehensive cardiac exams to ensure they have healthy hearts free from HCM.

For the younger population of athletes - from elementary school to high school - simply improving pre-participation screening forms and conducting ECG on properly selected children will reduce sudden cardiac death.

Adams and Lewis were in a subset for those at higher risk for sudden cardiac arrest from HCM. African American males, this population represents 50% of all those who die from HCM in the athletic spectrum.