Locations:
Search IconSearch

Can You Exercise With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy?

Yes, newer guidelines say mild intensity activity is OK for most people with this type of heart disease

Couple walking their fluffy white dog outside

If you have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a type of heart disease that thickens your heart muscle, you may have heard confusing information regarding exercise.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

In the past, doctors may have advised against physical activity due to concerns about sudden cardiac death. But new guidelines highlight a shift in thinking.

Can people with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy exercise?

Yes, mild intensity activity is generally safe, says cardiologist Maran Thamilarasan, MD. And, in fact, it’s recommended.

“Historically, you’d hear these stories of young athletes dying suddenly with undiagnosed hypertrophic cardiomyopathy,” shares Dr. Thamilarasan. “The thought was that we should significantly restrict activity. That was the dogma for many years. But now, we recognize that each individual is different and it’s very important to maintain some level of physical activity, both for someone’s mental well-being and their physical fitness.”

Tips for getting started

Dr. Thamilarasan stresses the importance of getting a risk assessment before beginning any exercise routine, especially if you want to be more active. Doing so can help determine how likely it is that you may experience an arrhythmic event (abnormal heart rhythm) while working out.

To determine your overall risk, your doctor will look at factors like:

  • Family history
  • Left ventricular wall thickness
  • Degree of obstruction
  • Presence of arrhythmias
  • How your heart adjusts to changes (hemodynamic responses)
  • Amount of scar tissue (myocardial fibrosis)

Advertisement

Gathering all this information can help your care team make recommendations. They’ll be able to give you guidance on what type of exercise is best for you through a shared decision-making process.

Having a risk assessment can also provide guidance if someone wants to play competitive sports.

“It’s certainly possible that with a good, detailed analysis, it may be possible for someone with HCM to be involved in competitive-level exercise,” says Dr. Thamilarasan. “A consultation with a sports cardiologist is often recommended in these situations.”

In fact, recent research shows that people with HCM who engaged in vigorous exercise weren’t any more likely to have a life-threatening arrhythmia than those who participated in moderate exercise or sedentary activities.

“But these studies don’t represent all types of people with HCM or all types of exercise, so a tailored evaluation with your healthcare team is important,” he clarifies.

Best exercises for HCM

The most recent guidelines from the American Heart Association recommend mild and moderate-intensity activity, like:

  • Walking
  • Biking
  • Swimming in the presence of a lifeguard (if assessment doesn’t suggest a risk for passing out)
  • Water aerobics

“Almost all people with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can engage in such activity to maintain cardiovascular fitness,” says Dr. Thamilarasan. “If you have low markers of risk, then it may be possible to engage in a higher level of activity.”

That means that most people with HCM can adhere to general guidelines that recommend 150 minutes of mild-intensity aerobic exercise each week. Dr. Thamilarasan says it’s not unrealistic to have a goal of 30 to 60 minutes of aerobic activity each day.

“Even if your HCM is higher risk, walking at a slow pace is still good for you,” he adds. “It won’t increase your risk. You can maintain some level of fitness — it’s the intensity of that exercise that we have to be careful of.”

Regardless of your risk level, Dr. Thamilarasan recommends undergoing a yearly evaluation to assess your health so you and your care team can make any necessary adjustments to your exercise routine.

Exercise restrictions for HCM

Your doctor will let you know if there are any exercise restrictions for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy based on your risk assessment.

“If you’re at high risk for arrhythmic events and you have significant obstruction, then we may recommend low-intensity exercise,” says Dr. Thamilarasan.

That may mean you need to avoid high-intensity exercise like weightlifting or HIIT. But you can focus on low-intensity exercise like gentle stretching, yoga, Pilates or walking your dog.

Key takeaways

Exercising daily is important for people who have HCM. But Dr. Thamilarasan stresses that it’s vital that you pay attention to how you’re feeling. Stop exercising immediately if you experience:

Advertisement

“Pay attention for anything that makes you feel more out of breath than you should be for that level of activity,” he emphasizes. “Don’t push through it. You need to be mindful of the warning signs.”

Overall, there’s no one-size-fits-all recommendation on exercising with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Everyone is different and has a unique set of factors, so work with your doctor to determine the right type and intensity of exercise for you.

“In general, people who don’t exercise in the long run have higher cardiovascular mortality,” concludes Dr. Thamilarasan. “So, if you have HCM, we think there’s a balance to be achieved between managing HCM and exercise to optimize your health.”

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Smiling healthcare provider talking to two young teen brothers
August 13, 2025/Heart Health
Is Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Genetic? Here’s What You Need To Know

Altered genes may cause your heart muscle to thicken

Person sitting on couch, hand on head, wrapped in blanket, holding hot beverage, used tissues nearby
Can Zinc or Vitamin C Help You Fight Off a Cold?

Don’t expect miracles out of ‘immune-boosting’ supplements when you’re sick

Person drinking from a mug while in bed reading a book
September 26, 2025/Diabetes & Endocrinology
Do Cortisol Cocktails Work?

Fans of these trendy ‘mocktails’ claim they combat stress and fatigue, but they’re not your best choice

Woman getting fitted for glasses at optometrist
September 25, 2025/Eye Care
Here’s How Long It’ll Take To Adjust to Your New Glasses

It usually takes anywhere from a couple of days to a few weeks to get fully adjusted

Large red bump under the skin on a back
September 25, 2025/Rheumatology & Immunology
Should You Worry About the Lump Under Your Skin?

If it’s soft, movable, near the surface and not painful, you’re probably OK — but see a healthcare provider if you’re concerned

Woman putting on a disposable medical mask
How Masks Work: What You Should Know About Them

Masking can help reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses in certain situations

Person clutching pillow in the night from a stressful dream of someone falling in the background through clouds and doorway
September 23, 2025/Brain & Nervous System
Anxiety Dreams: Why We Have Them and How To Stop Them

Managing stress can help you sleep more soundly

Person unrolling a yoga mat
September 22, 2025/Brain & Nervous System
11 Self-Care Tips for Living With Multiple Sclerosis

Building a support system, adapting activities you love and following a healthy diet can all help manage symptoms and changes

Trending Topics

Person in bed sleeping on their side, covers off
Breathing Problems? Try These Sleep Positions

If you’re feeling short of breath, sleep can be tough — propping yourself up or sleeping on your side may help

A couple looking at skyline, with one person slightly behind the other, head bent down
What Is Anxious Attachment Style — and Do You Have It?

If you fear the unknown or find yourself needing reassurance often, you may identify with this attachment style

Glasses and bottle of yellow-colored prebiotic soda, with mint, lemon and ginger garnish
Are Prebiotic Sodas Good for You?

If you’re looking to boost your gut health, it’s better to get fiber from whole foods

Ad