What findings are characteristic of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) in young athletes?

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is characterized by a number of specific electrocardiographic (ECG) findings, particularly in young athletes. The presence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is a hallmark feature, as it is related to the abnormal thickening of the heart muscle that occurs in HCM. This thickening can lead to other changes on the ECG as well.

The appearance of deep Q waves is another important indicator often seen in patients with HCM. These waves can result from the altered myocardial architecture and may indicate impaired systolic function or delayed electrical activation within the hypertrophied myocardium. T-wave inversions can also be observed, particularly in leads with the most significant hypertrophy. These changes may arise due to repolarization abnormalities associated with the hypertrophied myocardium.

Collectively, the combination of left ventricular hypertrophy, deep Q waves, and T-wave inversions on the ECG is particularly relevant in the context of HCM, especially in young athletes who are often screened for potential cardiac issues. These findings assist in identifying individuals at risk for sudden cardiac events due to undiagnosed HCM.

Understanding these manifestations helps differentiate HCM from other cardiac conditions, emphasizing the importance of recognizing these