About-Cardio
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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)
Introduction
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a condition in which the heart muscle thickens abnormally. This thickening can make it harder for the heart to pump blood efficiently. HCM is often genetic and can affect people of all ages, sometimes leading to serious complications.
Causes and Risk Factors
- Genetic Mutations: HCM is primarily an inherited disorder caused by mutations in genes responsible for heart muscle proteins.
- Family History: If a close relative has HCM, the risk of developing it increases.
- Other Conditions: Some metabolic and neuromuscular diseases can also contribute to the development of HCM.
Symptoms
HCM can be asymptomatic in some patients, but common symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
- Chest pain (angina)
- Dizziness or fainting (syncope)
- Palpitations (irregular heartbeats)
- Fatigue
Diagnosis
To diagnose HCM, doctors use:
- Echocardiogram (Echo): The primary test to measure heart wall thickness.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): Helps detect abnormal heart rhythms.
- Cardiac MRI: Provides detailed heart imaging.
- Genetic Testing: Recommended if there is a family history of HCM.
Treatment
Although there is no cure for HCM, treatments can help manage symptoms and prevent complications:
Medications:
- Beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers to reduce heart workload.
- Anti-arrhythmic drugs to prevent abnormal rhythms.
- Anticoagulants if there is a risk of blood clots.
Procedures and Surgeries:
- Septal Myectomy (surgical removal of thickened heart tissue).
- Alcohol Septal Ablation (using alcohol injection to reduce heart muscle thickness).
- Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) for those at risk of sudden cardiac arrest.
Lifestyle Recommendations
- Regular Check-ups: Essential for monitoring disease progression.
- Physical Activity: Avoid intense competitive sports but maintain moderate exercise.
- Dietary Changes: A heart-healthy diet low in salt and fats.
- Genetic Counseling: For family members at risk of HCM.
Conclusion
HCM is a serious but manageable condition. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can significantly improve quality of life. If you suspect HCM in yourself or a family member, consult a cardiologist for evaluation.
Source recommendations
1. 2020 AHA/ACC Guideline for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Patients With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000937
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33215931/
- https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2020/11/18/18/47/2020-AHA-ACC-Guideline-for-HCM-GL-HCM
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33215938/
- https://professional.heart.org/en/science-news/2020-aha-acc-guideline-for-the-diagnosis-and-treatment-of-patients-with-hypertrophic-cardiomyopathy
2. 2023 ESC Guidelines on Cardiomyopathies
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/44/37/3503/7246608
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Cardiomyopathy-Guidelines
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37622657/
- https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2023/08/30/02/53/2023-esc-guidelines-for-cardiomyopathies-esc-2023
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38289320/
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
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Our answers to your questions are based on the clinical recommendations of countries with the most developed healthcare systems in the field of cardiology in the USA, the EU and Japan.
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We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
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Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.