Disease that affected João Paulo Diniz may be asymptomatic

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a congenital disease that affected businessman João Paulo Diniz, who died last Sunday (31) at age 58, has different levels of severity and can be asymptomatic.

According to the doctor Paulo Caramori, director of the Scientific Committee of the SBC (Brazilian Society of Cardiology), it is estimated that 1 in 500 people have the disease, characterized by an abnormal thickening of the heart muscle.

In some cases, called obstructive, this increase causes a narrowing that hinders the ejection of blood and reduces the heart’s ability to function. Patients with this condition may experience shortness of breath, chest pain, palpitations, arrhythmias and suffer sudden death.

Caramori says that the disease usually presents in adolescence and, as it can be asymptomatic, it is sometimes discovered by chance during routine exams. “A family member performs an echocardiogram, discovers the disease and then begins an active search for cases”, he exemplifies.

Based on the diagnosis, performed by means of echocardiography and imaging tests, the cardiologist assesses whether there is an obstruction and its dimension, and then determines the best course of action. “Medication, procedures to reduce obstruction such as catheterization or surgery and, for those at higher risk of arrhythmia, the use of implantable defibrillators may be recommended.

Asked about the practice of exercise by people with the disease, the cardiologist explains that there is no research comparing the effects between those who practice and those who do not practice physical activity, but a consensus of experts.

“Doing physical activity is good, but in the case of people with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy this recommendation depends on the severity of the disease, whether there is obstruction and how large it is. The variability is very large”, he says.

He advises people with the disease to follow up with a cardiologist, who will evaluate the possibility of physical activity through the exams, and adds that, depending on the degree of obstruction, the recommendation will be not to exercise. “They can accelerate the disease and bring risks”, he justifies.

In cases without obstruction, after the first evaluation, the person can be released for moderate physical activity, with frequent medical follow-up.

In addition, the specialist reminds that anyone intending to practice sports at a competitive level should consult periodically. “In the case of middle-aged people, with a family history of cardiovascular diseases, this follow-up is also mandatory.”