During what age range is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy often first diagnosed in young athletes?

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a genetic condition characterized by abnormal thickening of the heart muscle, particularly affecting the interventricular septum. This thickening can lead to obstructed blood flow and increase the risk of arrhythmias, making it particularly concerning in young athletes who are at risk for sudden cardiac events.

HCM is often diagnosed in individuals during the age range of 10 to 20 years old, a period when many young athletes undergo preparticipation screening evaluations or present with symptoms such as chest pain, syncope, or palpitations during physical activities. The combination of physical exertion and the physiological changes that occur during puberty often reveals the condition. By this age, many young athletes will have reached a level of physical exertion that may unmask symptoms or abnormalities related to HCM, leading to its diagnosis.

Diagnosing HCM before the age of 10 is less common because the condition is often asymptomatic early on, and significant thickening may not develop until puberty. Similarly, after the age of 20, while HCM can still be diagnosed, it is less frequently noted in highly active individuals compared to the earlier age range where screening and cadaveric reports may highlight the risks more explicitly