 heads up athletes coaches and parents play for life not just points hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or hcm is the leading cause of sudden cardiac death especially in black athletes in sports like football or basketball if you feel shortness of breath chest pain and fatigue or have a family history of hcm talk to your doctor don't let hcm bench you for good learn how to stay in the game at heart.org hcm student athlete your heart your health you'll move