February 25, 2026
WHEREAS, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a chronic heart disease involving the thickening of the heart muscle and can potentially lead to debilitating symptoms and serious complications including heart failure, atrial fibrillation, stroke, and in rare cases sudden cardiac death; and,
WHEREAS, HCM is the most common inheritable heart disease and can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, or ethnicity with a reported prevalence ranging from 1 in 200 to 1 in 500 in the general population; and,
WHEREAS, an estimated 700,000 to 1,650,00 people in the United States have HCM, yet 85% of them may remain undiagnosed; and
WHEREAS, HCM shares symptoms with other common cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, palpitations, and fainting, making it difficult to distinguish HCM from these other diseases; and,
WHEREAS, when untreated, all-cause mortality risk is 3 to 4 times higher in patients with HCM than that of the general population; and,
WHEREAS, knowing one’s medical history and any signs and symptoms of HCM is an important first step in receiving an accurate diagnosis of HCM; and,
WHEREAS, a healthcare provider must conduct a thorough screening with cardiac health questions to help identify a risk of cardiac disorders both genetic and congenital; and,
WHEREAS, a healthcare provider may conduct several tests, including an echocardiogram, a cardiac MRI, or genetic testing to confirm a family history of HCM, and must examine the heart to diagnose HCM; and
WHEREAS, following a diagnosis of HCM, it is important for patients to work with their healthcare provider to learn more about their disease and understand different management options, including prescription medicines and surgical treatment options that may improve their health and quality of life;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim February 25, 2026, as Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Awareness Day in Michigan.
