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HCM in Athletes — RACP Paediatrics MCQ

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HardCardiologyHCM in AthletesRACP Paediatrics

A 14-year-old athlete collapses during a football game. He is found to have a hypertrophied septum (30 mm) with dynamic left ventricular outflow tract obstruction on echocardiography. Family history reveals sudden cardiac death. What activity restriction is recommended?

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Correct answer: C — Avoid competitive sports; low-intensity exercise may be permitted after risk stratification

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most common cause of sudden cardiac death in young athletes. Competitive sports are generally contraindicated. Individual risk stratification (family history, syncope, NSVT, LV wall thickness, LVOT gradient, exercise BP response) guides decisions about activity levels and ICD consideration.

Reference: Sport and Exercise Medicine Australia – 2024 – Cardiac Risk in Athletes