Bethany and Hannah Keime, two sisters from Miami, initially thought of themselves as “normal” high school students. However, their lives took a drastic turn when they were both diagnosed with a chronic and potentially deadly heart condition: hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).
HCM is a genetic disease that causes the heart muscle to thicken, making it more difficult for the heart to pump blood effectively. Despite being relatively common, with about 1 in 500 people affected by it, HCM is often underdiagnosed.
The Keime sisters, now in their 20s, were shocked by their diagnosis, as it was not something they or their pediatrician had suspected. Their journey to understanding their condition led them to scour the internet for information, only to come across tragic stories of young individuals who had died undiagnosed.
Symptoms of HCM can vary, with some individuals experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, which can be fatal. The thickening of the heart muscle in HCM patients puts them at a higher risk for serious heart events, including irregular heartbeat, heart failure, and stroke.
While not every HCM patient is at risk for cardiac arrest, it is crucial to pay attention to symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, fainting, and more. Early detection and treatment are key in managing the condition effectively and preventing serious complications.
Despite the seriousness of HCM, there is hope for those affected by the condition. Treatment options, including medications, procedures like alcohol septal ablation, implantable cardioverter defibrillators, and cardiac surgery, can help manage symptoms and improve outcomes.
For the Keime sisters, lifestyle changes, medications, and the use of a defibrillator have been crucial in their management of HCM. They have also taken their experience to help others by co-founding HeartCharged, an online movement dedicated to preventing unnecessary heart-related deaths through education and support.
While living with HCM can be challenging, the Keime sisters want to inspire others by showing that life doesn’t end with a diagnosis. With appropriate treatment and care, individuals with HCM can lead fulfilling lives and manage their condition effectively. Fear not a heart screening, and pay attention to warning signs, as early detection and intervention can make a significant difference in managing HCM and preventing complications.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.