Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a genetically transmitted disease – seen in about 1 out of 500 people – that results in localized areas of heart muscle thickening (hypertrophied). There are two main types of HCM: non-obstructive – seen in about two-thirds of patients – and obstructive – seen in about one-third of patients. In the obstructive HCM type, the thickening of the heart muscle impedes the heart’s ability to pump the blood into the body. It can affect people of all ages and has a normal life expectancy when managed appropriately.
Symptoms of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Many people are unaware they have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy as there are often no symptoms. When symptoms are traced to this condition, they typically include abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia), shortness of breath, fainting (syncope), swelling in the legs, or chest pain.
Some patients with HCM are at higher risk for dangerous arrhythmias, which can lead to sudden cardiac death. A more in-depth evaluation of this risk is necessary.
Diagnosing Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can be diagnosed in a variety of ways including:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
- Echocardiogram
- Cardiac MRI
- Genetic testing
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Treatment at Valley
Valley has state-of-the-art resources to assure guideline-directed assessment and treatment tailored for your hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Your treatment plan may include one or more options based on your overall health and your specific needs, including:
- Medications
- Implantable devices
- Lifestyle changes
- Surgery
Why Choose Valley for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Care?
- A team dedicated to you: At Valley, you’ll get team-based care from cardiologists, electrophysiologists, heart surgeons, interventional cardiologists, heart failure nurses, and others, who meet regularly and evaluate as a team the optimal management for you and your family.
- Cleveland Clinic alliance: Our alliance with Cleveland Clinic’s nationally ranked heart program allows us to consult with the nation’s very best for the most complex cases.
- Advanced screening technologies: Valley uses Viz.ai, an artificial intelligence program, that can help to effectively diagnose hypertrophic cardiomyopathy based on ECG.
- Expertise in diagnosing HCM: Many patients come to us after a long diagnostic journey that has not provided answers. Our team’s expertise in cardiac imaging, combined with highly detailed diagnostic technology, allows us to make complicated diagnoses with precision.
- Access to the latest heart procedures: Heart surgery and interventional cardiology procedures may be required to treat certain symptoms of HCM. We use innovative, specific, and highly accurate imaging to guide any invasive procedures.
