Cuttino Mobley and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) has caused Cuttino Mobley to retire from the NBA. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy occurs when the myocardium is enlarged, usually for an unknown reason. The disease distorts the morphology of the heart, and at times of high flow, can cause the outflow tract of the left ventricle to collapse, leading to sudden death. Specifically, the theory is that systolic anterior motion (SAM) of the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve, caused either by Venturi forces or drag, can lead to the obstruction. According to JAMA, "Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most common cause of cardiovascular sudden death in young people, including trained competitive athletes (most commonly in basketball and football and in black athletes)"

I always enjoyed watching "Cat" Mobley play on the Rockets, so I wish him well.  For more information on, check out "What is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?"

Update: This post initially stated that Cuttino Mobley has hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM), but this appears to not be the case, based on the comments and reviewing the article.