Sabrina Cuddy • January 14, 2022
Fitness in HCM

Did you resolve to get more active this year?

There is a lot of confusion about exercise for HCM patients. Some doctors advise “don’t do anything physical,” while others say, “do whatever you want.” But we can likely agree on one thing – they are both wrong, and the best advice is somewhere in the middle.

Exercise is important!

Specialists agree that exercise is healthy for people with HCM. Depending on symptoms, most people with HCM can safely do light exercise like walking. But the HCM experts usually advise people with symptomatic HCM not to do heavy exercise. For example, it’s best not to do intense activity or contact sports like football. But those with HCM who have no symptoms may be able to exercise without restrictions.

How do you decide what to do?

While exercising (and afterward), listen to your body and slow down or stop if you find your symptoms are increasing. And make sure you stay well hydrated.

You should also work with your HCM specialist to find the best level of activity for you. 

A guide to exercise for HCM patients

One useful approach to fitness was created by an HCM specialist and team at the well-regarded Peter Munk Cardiac Centre in Toronto. This program has three fitness levels. Their website shows you how to maintain heart health through videos, medical information, and a proven exercise program.  http://hcmfitness.ca/

HCMA Blog

April 30, 2025
Medical Management means using medicines and other non-invasive therapies to relieve symptoms. It's exciting that new treatments for HCM are being studied and that the FDA approved Camzyos in 2022! HCM can cause various symptoms depending on how stiff the heart is, how much scarring (fibrosis) there is, and whether there is obstruction. Some people have no noticeable symptoms. Common symptoms are chest pain/pressure, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, fatigue, palpitations, and brain fog. Syncope (fainting) is dramatic but not as common as the other symptoms. Medications are the first-line treatment for symptoms of HCM. If patients can't take one class of medication, they can try a medication from a different class. Here are some medications used to treat HCM and what they're for: Beta Blockers - make your heart beat slower and relax better. They allow the heart to fill more completely between beats. They can lower blood pressure and relieve symptoms. Calcium Channel Blockers - used to lower blood pressure and slow the heart rate. May reduce symptoms from obstruction in HCM. Myosin Inhibitors - cause the heart to beat with less force. They may reduce obstruction and septal thickness in some patients. Camzyos (mavacamten) is the first of this class of medication. For more information, click HERE . Antiarrhythmics - help to restore normal rhythm in the heart. Blood Thinners - anticoagulants and anti-platelets make it harder for blood to clot. They are prescribed to reduce the risk of stroke. This risk is higher in patients with afib, aflutter, and artificial heart valves. Diuretics , or "water pills," help the kidneys get rid of extra water and salt, reducing swelling in the body. Sodium Channel Blockers - may reduce gradient in obstructive HCM and can treat chest pain. Some also act as antiarrhythmics. Antibiotics - treat or prevent bacterial infections. In HCM, they may be given before dental work to prevent infective endocarditis. To learn more and see the side effects of these medications, click HERE .
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