If you’re living with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), healthy lifestyle changes can help protect your heart. This genetic heart disease, which affects 1 in 500 U.S. adults, causes the walls of the heart’s main pumping chamber — the left ventricle — to grow thicker and become stiff. HCM makes it more difficult for the heart to pump blood.

Common symptoms of HCM include chest pain and shortness of breath. Some people also develop arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), including a type called atrial fibrillation, when the heart’s upper chambers beat out of sync. Other symptoms include dizziness and fainting. Without proper care, HCM can raise the risk of heart failure, cardiac arrest, and stroke.

Most people with HCM have a normal life expectancy, especially with the right treatment plan and support. That includes working closely with a healthcare professional and making lifestyle changes that support a healthy heart. These seven self-care tips can help you manage HCM and feel your best.

1. Exercise With the Guidance of Your Doctor

People living with HCM may worry that exercise isn’t safe and avoid being active. However, healthcare professionals recommend that people with HCM get regular exercise. The key is to find the right activity level to help you stay fit.

Mild- to moderate-intensity activities such as walking and biking can help you slowly build up your endurance. Some people with HCM can handle more vigorous workouts, but it’s important to get your healthcare provider’s OK before starting or changing your routine. Your doctor may recommend avoiding heavy weight lifting, competitive sports, and other intense workouts.

Talk with your doctor about the types of exercise that are safest and most beneficial for you. If you have worsening HCM symptoms — such as an irregular heart rhythm, a racing heart, shortness of breath, or lightheadedness — during physical activity, stop immediately and get medical help. Also, ask your doctor if any part of your job might strain your heart or trigger symptoms, especially if your work involves physical exertion.

Talk with your doctor about the types of exercise that are safest and best for you. If your HCM symptoms worsen during physical activity, stop immediately and get medical help.

2. Modify Your Diet

Generally, people living with HCM are advised to eat a heart-healthy diet with plenty of whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables. Your food choices should also aim to lower your risks of hypertension (high blood pressure), obesity, and diabetes, so be sure to limit your intake of sodium, saturated fat, and sugar. Overall, try to focus on natural, unprocessed ingredients and portion control. Talk with your doctor to find out what diet is best for you.

You may need to limit alcohol use if you’re living with HCM. For some people with heart conditions, drinking alcohol can trigger irregular heart rhythms and further reduce blood flow. Ask your medical provider if it’s safe for you to drink alcohol in moderation.

3. Quit Smoking

Smoking can damage your heart and blood vessels, which could worsen your HCM symptoms. Tobacco is known to cause stenosis (narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the heart). Having both stenosis and HCM can greatly increase your risk of serious heart problems.

If you smoke, ask your doctor about safe and effective ways to quit. They may prescribe medications or recommend other tools to support you. A local hospital may also offer programs.

4. Maintain Dental Hygiene

Brushing your teeth properly might not be the first heart health tip that comes to mind, but oral and cardiac health are strongly linked. Infections in your mouth, like gum disease or untreated cavities, can lead to endocarditis. This condition happens when bacteria from an infection anywhere in your body, including the teeth and gums, travel through your bloodstream to your heart and cause inflammation. People with HCM have an increased risk of endocarditis, which can be life-threatening if left untreated.

Brushing your teeth properly might not be the first heart health tip that comes to mind, but oral and cardiac health are strongly linked.

To lower your risk, brush and floss every day, rinse with antiseptic mouthwash, and see your dentist twice a year to identify cavities early. Talk with your cardiologist (heart doctor) and dentist about additional precautions you should take.

5. Manage Stress and Treat Mental Health Concerns

Your physical health is tied to your mental health, especially if you’re living with HCM. Reducing ongoing stress is important for supporting both your heart and overall health. This may involve:

• Getting outdoors
• Journaling
• Spending time with friends
• Getting enough quality sleep
• Trying yoga or meditation
• Talking with a therapist

Anxiety and depression have been shown to worsen HCM and other forms of heart disease, so don’t hesitate to seek support for mental health. Treatment for depression or anxiety may not only reduce your cardiac risk but also improve your quality of life.

Anxiety and depression have been shown to worsen HCM and other forms of heart disease, so don’t hesitate to seek support for mental health.

6. Monitor Blood Pressure

High blood pressure puts extra strain on the heart and circulatory system, which is especially dangerous for people with HCM. Your doctor will check your blood pressure at each appointment, but you can also ask about using an at-home monitor to track your numbers between visits, especially if you have a personal or family history of hypertension.

Rarely, some blood pressure medications can worsen symptoms in certain people living with HCM. Always take your medications exactly as prescribed, and let your doctor know if you notice new or worsening HCM symptoms.

7. Prioritize Regular Care

HCM is a chronic (lifelong) condition, but with regular care, it can be managed effectively. It’s important to develop a strong relationship with your medical team by attending regular follow-up appointments.

Your cardiologist may order tests like echocardiograms, electrocardiograms, and cardiac stress tests to understand how your condition changes as time goes on. At these visits, you can discuss lifestyle changes and talk about continuing or starting new treatment. You should also see your primary care provider regularly to monitor for other health conditions that may worsen your condition.

Being diagnosed with HCM may feel overwhelming at first, but with the right care plan and daily habits focused on both mental and physical wellness, you can live well with this condition.

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On MyHeartDiseaseTeam, people share their experiences with heart disease, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

If you’re living with HCM, how do you manage your health with lifestyle changes? Let others know in the comments below.