Which condition is characterized by thickened heart walls?

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is characterized by the thickening of the heart walls, particularly the ventricular walls, which happens due to the abnormal growth of heart muscle cells. This condition leads to the heart becoming less elastic, making it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively. The thickened walls can obstruct the outflow of blood from the heart, particularly in exercise or stress situations, and can lead to various symptoms including shortness of breath, chest pain, and even fainting during physical activity.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is particularly significant in the context of genetic predispositions, where mutations in the genes associated with heart muscle proteins can lead to this abnormal thickening. Identifying this condition is crucial as it has implications for managing risks related to arrhythmias and sudden cardiac events, especially in young athletes.

The other conditions mentioned do not primarily focus on the thickening of the heart walls in the same manner. Congestive heart failure may involve changes in heart structure but does not specifically highlight thickened walls as its main characteristic. Coronary artery disease relates primarily to the narrowing of the coronary arteries due to plaque build-up, and aortic stenosis typically involves the narrowing of the aortic valve, which can lead to secondary changes in