I got diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy back in 2012 via a gene test for the mutated gene. My sister was diagnosed first as she was having heart problems. Had my genetic test at Addenbrooks in Cambridge. Got my confirmed diagnosis on the eve of the Olympic games in London. A day I will never forget. Shocked was an understatement. I'd had various heart scans including a cardiac MRI but all the results were "inconclusive", but given I was running marathons week in, week out was always told that I had nothing to worry about. Needless to say, a negative result was a forgone conclusion. Didn't quite change my life overnight, but almost. Ran a marathon the following day and then another one the day after.
I was already due to see one of the UKs top HCOM specialists in London prior to the genetic test anyway. After that appointment my life changed overnight. No more marathons or ultra-marathons. No more stressing the heart. Still run 40+ mile weeks but at an easy intensity, much to her consternation.
Had my daughter tested in 2014. She is also gene positive. That was another kick in the nuts. Fortunately she hasn't developed an enlarged heart yet. She will be 14 in a couple of weeks.
In hindsight, I am probably lucky to be alive. You often hear about super fit, experienced runners who aren't so lucky, dropping dead at the finish line. I could have been one of them.
Its been a very bitter pill to swallow, but you just deal with it and move. That's life.
@Akay17 See your GP and request a referral for a genetic test. You are entitled to one. Normal protocol is to genetically test the whole family.