Which of the following athletic activities is often discouraged for individuals with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a condition characterized by the thickening of the heart muscle, which can lead to obstructed blood flow and an increased risk of arrhythmias. Individuals with HCM are often advised to avoid high-intensity activities that place excess strain on the heart.

Weightlifting is particularly discouraged for those with this condition because it typically involves heavy lifting and straining, which can significantly elevate heart rate and blood pressure. This can provoke adverse events such as arrhythmia or even sudden cardiac arrest in susceptible individuals. The isometric nature of weightlifting increases intrathoracic pressure, which can compromise blood flow back to the heart and exacerbate underlying structural heart issues.

In contrast, activities like swimming and yoga are generally considered safer as they tend to be less intense and do not usually involve sudden, significant increases in heart workload. Running can vary in its intensity, but typically moderate running is seen as more acceptable than heavy weightlifting. Thus, weightlifting stands out as the activity most frequently discouraged in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy due to these heightened risks.