Genetic or not?

I was diagnosed with HCM in '91. Since '96, I have had 11 episodes of atrial fib/flutter.  I am on meds. but they constipate me terribly.  But my question is that I do not believe mine is genetic. When I started having asthma in the early 70's, I was often treated with Decadron and later with Prednisone.  I was often hospitalized, tx. w/ Solu-Medrol, etc. I have not had an episode since '91 when I started irrigating my sinuses with saline.  Could the years of cortisone have caused my HCM? Thank you so much.

[Cleveland Clinic]

stella,

Thanks for the post.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy associated with corticosteroid use has been reported in neonates and infants undergoing systemic treatment with corticosteroids.  Even this association is a loose one in the literature.

Genetic and idiopathic forms of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy are probably more likely in your case. The genetic forms have several mechanisms that we are aware of and others that we are not. A close family history of heart problems including early death should be obtained to help discern if this is the case with you.

good luck

[Stelladallas]

Sorry, but I made a mistake regarding my last episode of asthma which was in '01, not '91.  I also have not been on any steriods since '01 and even then, it was only when I had an acute attack.  I am currently on Pulmicort ( 2inhs. qd).  Thanks

[NYMinnie]

I was diagnosed with HOCM in March of 2003 after cardiac catherization.  My father died many years ago at age 54 and then everyone was always told the person died of a heart attack, however, you never know, he probably had the same thing as I've been reading more and more about this disease being hereditary.  My cardiologist also said it could be hereditary.  One of my brothers has already had a heart attack - at age 42 - but in very good shape, etc. - he was running at the time - and other brother's heart murmur is pretty pronounced and is on meds also.  I'm on 150 mg. atenolol and back down to 360 mg. verapimil after my legs and feet blew up last week.

Question - what are the chances of this disease being fatal?  Should I continue to contribute to my 401K plan - I'm 48 - or just live life every day as if it were my last?

I can't do much physical activity - walking from my car to my house makes me get out of breath.

Thank you for your help.

NYMinnie