Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): Inheritance and Genetic Risk

In most cases, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, which means that only one copy of the affected gene is needed to cause the condition. This means that either the mother or the father can pass on the gene for HCM to their children.

However, in some cases, HCM can also be inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, which means that two copies of the affected gene are needed to cause the condition. In these cases, both the mother and the father must carry the gene for HCM in order for their child to inherit the condition.

If you have a family history of HCM, it is important to talk to your doctor about your risk of developing the condition and about the options available for genetic testing.