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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 genetic heart disease characterized by abnormal thickening of the heart muscle, primarily the left ventricle. This condition can lead to difficulties in blood flow, abnormal heart rhythms, and, in severe cases, sudden cardiac death.
Causes and Risk Factors
HCM is mostly caused by mutations in genes responsible for heart muscle proteins. It is often inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, meaning a person with one affected parent has a 50% chance of inheriting the condition. Other potential risk factors include conditions like high blood pressure, which can exacerbate the symptoms of HCM.
Symptoms
Symptoms of HCM may vary, but common ones include: - Shortness of breath - Chest pain (angina) - Dizziness or fainting - Palpitations (irregular or rapid heartbeats) - Sudden cardiac arrest (in severe cases)
Diagnosis
Doctors use a combination of the following tests to diagnose HCM: - Electrocardiogram (ECG): Identifies abnormal heart rhythms. - Echocardiography: An ultrasound of the heart to measure heart muscle thickness and function. - Cardiac MRI: Provides detailed images of heart structure. - Genetic Testing: Determines if the condition is inherited.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on severity and symptoms:
1. Medications:
- Beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers help reduce heart workload and stabilize rhythms.
Antiarrhythmic drugs may be used for irregular heartbeats.
2. Invasive Procedures:
Septal Myectomy: Surgical removal of part of the thickened heart muscle.
- Alcohol Septal Ablation: Minimally invasive option where alcohol is injected to shrink thickened tissue.
Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD): Prevents sudden cardiac arrest in high-risk individuals.
3. Lifestyle Modifications:
Avoid excessive strenuous physical activity.
- Regular medical check-ups.
- Maintain a heart-healthy diet.
Conclusion
HCM is a serious but manageable condition. Early diagnosis, proper treatment, and lifestyle adjustments can significantly improve quality of life and prevent complications.
References
Consult the latest clinical guidelines for managing HCM:
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/2024-guideline-for-the-management-of-hypertrophic-cardiomyopathy
2. 2024 ESC Guidelines on Cardiomyopathies
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Cardiomyopathy-Guidelines
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37622657/
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001250
- https://www.escardio.org/Councils/Council-on-Cardiovascular-Genomics/Cardiovascular-Genomics-Insight/Volume-8/quiz
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article-abstract/46/4/344/7915804
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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!
Our advantages:
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
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.