Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a genetically transmitted disease – affecting 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 hypertrophic cardiomyopathy affects about one-third of patients. In this type, the heart muscle is thickened. However, there is no major blockage to blood flow.
Obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy affects about two-thirds of patients. This type causes the heart muscle to thicken significantly. The thickening changes the heart's shape and blocks blood flow out of the heart. This blockage can affect blood flow to the rest of the body.

Symptoms of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

HCM can affect people of all ages. Many people are unaware they have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, as this condition often shows 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

Can Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy be Detected Early?

Valley’s HCM team has partnered with Viz.ai, an artificial intelligence program that can help effectively diagnose hypertrophic cardiomyopathy based on an electrocardiogram (ECG). If suspected features of HCM are detected, our team may conduct further screening to accurately diagnose the condition. When detected early and managed appropriately, patients diagnosed with HCM may have a normal life expectancy