Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy on the other hand occurs when the heart muscle cells enlarge and the walls of the heart chambers thicken. When this happens, the heart chambers cannot hold much blood, and the walls cannot relax properly and may stiffen. The flow of blood through the heart may also be obstructed.
In most cases, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy will not have an impact on daily life. Some people may not even experience any symptoms and do not require treatment. However, that does not mean the condition cannot be serious. The NHS explains that hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most common cause of sudden unexpected death in childhood and in young athletes.
Individuals can also be at greater risk of developing other heart conditions such as abnormal heart rhythms, mitral regurgitation and heart infection.
Compared to other types of cardiomyopathy, restrictive cardiomyopathy is rare. Most often diagnosed in children, it occurs when the main heart chambers become stiff and rigid after contracting. As the heart cannot fill up with blood properly, there is reduced blood flow.
