MyHeartDiseaseTeam

Nonobstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (nHCM) is one of two types of HCM. It's a heart condition where the heart muscle thickens, making it harder for the lower chambers of the heart to expand and fill with blood properly — which reduces blood flow throughout the body. In nHCM, the thickening doesn't directly block Show Full Answer

Nonobstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (nHCM) is one of two types of HCM. It's a heart condition where the heart muscle thickens, making it harder for the lower chambers of the heart to expand and fill with blood properly — which reduces blood flow throughout the body. In nHCM, the thickening doesn't directly block blood flow out of the heart (unlike the obstructive type, oHCM), but it still causes the heart to work harder than it should.

Common symptoms of nHCM include:

- Shortness of breath, especially during activity
- Fatigue
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fainting
- Chest pain
- Heart palpitations

While nHCM symptoms can be less severe than oHCM early on, both types are progressive — meaning they can worsen over time. It's always a good idea to stay in close contact with your healthcare team to monitor any changes.

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

nHCM vs. oHCM: Key Differences Explained