Mineola, NY – Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a genetic condition that occurs in one in 500 individuals, but often goes unrecognized. Its importance, however, lies in the fact that it is the most common cause of heart-related sudden death in people under 30 years of age. Athletes – and parents of athletes – need to be aware of risk factors, symptoms and treatment options.

Individuals interested in learning more about HCM are invited to attend a lecture offered by Winthrop-University Hospital’s Perspectives in Health community education series, “Exercise and Sports: Keep Your Heart in Mind” on Thursday, April 22, 2010 at 7:00 PM. It will be held at Winthrop’s Community Outreach Center, 101 Mineola Boulevard at the corner of Second Street in Mineola.

Srihari S. Naidu, MD, Director of the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Center and Director of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory at Winthrop, will discuss this condition, how you might be able to recognize it and methods of screening. A question and answer period will follow the lecture.

Attendees are asked to arrive at 6:45 PM for registration. Parking and the entrance are available in the rear of the building. Admission is free, but seating is limited and pre-registration is required. To reserve a seat, please call (516) 663-8300.

Perspectives in Health is a free community health education program coordinated by the Nurse Specialist Group at Winthrop. For information on other programs at the Hospital, please call 1-866-WINTHROP.