What factor in the history of a 17-year-old girl with shortness of breath may raise concern for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?

The presence of a family history of sudden death is a significant factor that raises concern for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). HCM is a genetic cardiac condition that can lead to life-threatening arrhythmias and sudden cardiac events. If there are instances of unexplained sudden deaths in first-degree relatives, it suggests a potential hereditary component that could verify the diagnosis of HCM, particularly in a young athlete or individual.

Family history often plays a crucial role in many familial conditions, and particularly in conditions like HCM, where genetics can predispose an individual to severe outcomes. It is vital for healthcare providers to gather detailed family histories when evaluating symptoms like shortness of breath in adolescents, as this information can inform the clinical approach and necessitate further investigation or cardiac screening.

While recent viral illness, history of asthma, and excessive caffeine consumption may contribute to overlapping symptoms, they do not carry the same level of concern for an underlying genetic heart condition. Only the familial pattern of sudden death indicates a direct potential risk for HCM in the patient being assessed.