Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can be an inherited disorder and the diagnosis is made by echocardiogram. It also sounds like there is vascular disease as well in your family.
I realize that experts do not generally come back once a question has been answered, but I feel compelled to make this post for the benefit of other people browsing this forum.
I just wanted to let everyone know that Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy IS in fact the name of the condition that my uncle had - your suggestion prompted the memory of my cousins who were able to confirm this is what they were tested for fifteen years ago.
Thank you very much for your help - it could very well save lives as I am one of six children and I have three children of my own - that is now nine people who can be screened for this disease, thanks to you!
Thank you very much for your reply - I will look into hypertrophic cardiomyopathy as well as mentioning this term to my relatives. Hopefully this will jog their memory as to whether this is what was found on my uncle's autopsy.
I wonder whether connective tissue disease and vascular disease can be related in any way, as I have been told by my pumonologist (I also see a rheumatologist) that she suspects I will be diagnosed with Mixed Connective Tissue Disease in the coming years (I currently suffer from Reynaud's phenomenon when it is very cold, I have a bony growth on one knuckle, and I have done two rounds of physical therapy for inflamed hip joints - plus my facet joints at L4-5 are arthritic at age 33).
Thank you very much for your time and expertise!
Hi, I'm still hoping for some input. My extended family members do not remember what the name of this disorder was, as it was diagnosed and all testing of family members was done fifteen years ago. Thank you very much.