Which of the following is NOT a common symptom of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a condition characterized by the thickening of the heart muscle, which can lead to various cardiac symptoms due to the obstruction of blood flow and alterations in heart function. Common symptoms associated with HCM include fainting during exercise, shortness of breath, and palpitations.

Fainting during exercise often occurs due to impaired blood flow and the potential for arrhythmias that can lead to syncope. Shortness of breath is prevalent as the heart struggles to pump effectively, especially under exertion, resulting in dyspnea. Palpitations are also frequently reported, as the thickened heart muscle can predispose individuals to irregular heartbeats or arrhythmias, causing a sensation of fluttering or racing in the chest.

In contrast, a severe headache is not typically associated with HCM. Headaches may arise from various other conditions, such as migraines or tension-type headaches, but they do not have a direct link to the physiological changes caused by hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This distinction underscores that while HCM can lead to significant cardiovascular symptoms, severe headache is not a common manifestation of this condition.