hypertrophic cardiomyopathy 11

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) Description

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a condition in which the heart muscle becomes thickened, leading to an abnormal thickening of the heart walls. This can cause the heart's pumping ability to be reduced, potentially leading to serious complications.

Causes and Characteristics:

• HCM is most often caused by abnormal genes that affect the heart muscle cells.
• The condition can also be caused by other factors such as high blood pressure or certain medications.
• In some cases, only one part of the heart may be thicker than normal, while in others, the entire heart may be affected.

Symptoms and Complications:

• HCM can cause a range of symptoms including chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue.
• The condition can also lead to complications such as heart failure, arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death.

References:

• [1] Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a disease in which the heart muscle becomes thickened, also called hypertrophied. [1]
• [2] HCM also may cause thickening in other parts of your heart. [3]
• [4] The heart muscle cells enlarge more than normal, causing the heart walls to become thicker. [6]
• [5] This disorder is caused by a mutations in genes that affect the heart muscle cells. [7]
• [10] HCM can cause reduced pumping ability of the heart due to thickened heart muscle.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) can manifest in various ways, and its symptoms may vary from person to person. Here are some common signs and symptoms associated with HCM:

• Chest Pain: Chest pain or angina is a common symptom of HCM, especially during physical exertion [2][3].
• Shortness of Breath: Shortness of breath, particularly with exercise, is another frequent symptom [1][4].
• Fatigue: Fatigue or feeling tired easily can be a sign of HCM, especially in adults [3].
• Dizziness and Fainting: Dizziness and fainting spells, especially during exercise, are also common symptoms [5][9].
• Irregular Heartbeat (Arrhythmia): An irregular heartbeat or palpitations can occur in people with HCM [4].
• Irregular Sound (Systolic Murmur): A systolic murmur, which is an abnormal sound heard during the heartbeat, can be a sign of HCM [6].

It's essential to note that some individuals may not experience any symptoms at all. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms or have concerns about your heart health, consult with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and guidance.

References: [1] Feb 23, 2024 — This can cause shortness of breath with activity, chest pain, dizziness and fainting spells. [2] May 29, 2024 — Signs, symptoms and risks · Chest pain, especially with physical exertion [3] Difficulty breathing (shortness of breath) and fatigue, especially with exertion. These symptoms are more common in adults with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. [4] What Is Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy? · Chest pain · Fatigue · Shortness of breath, especially with exercise [5] May 8, 2024 — Symptoms · Chest pain · Dizziness · Fainting, especially during exercise [6] Symptoms and Signs of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy · angina), · palpitations, and · syncope. [7] by C Harris · 2017 · Cited by 3 — Signs and symptoms. While some individuals don't experience symptoms, others may experience chest pain, shortness of breath or fainting, especially during exercise [8] Sep 19, 2024 — Among people who do develop symptoms, the most common complaints include chest pain, shortness of breath with exertion, fatigue, palpitations, [9] Result: chest pain | heart symptoms | abnormal pulsations or palpitations | shortness of breath | dizziness

Diagnostic Tests for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) can be diagnosed using various tests, including:

• Genetic testing: This test can identify gene mutations that cause HCM. It is often recommended if there is a family history of the condition [6].
• Echocardiogram: An echocardiogram uses sound waves to create images of the beating heart and is often used to diagnose HCM. It can show thickening of the heart walls [5].
• Imaging studies: Other imaging tests, such as MRI or CT scans, may also be used to confirm the diagnosis.
• Blood tests: Blood tests may be done to check for other conditions that could be causing symptoms.

It's worth noting that a combination of ECG and echocardiography is often used together to diagnose HCM [7]. Additionally, genetic testing can provide important information about an individual's prognosis and whether they have passed the condition on to their family members [6].

References: [5] - Search result 5 [6] - Search result 6 [7] - Search result 7

Medications Used to Treat Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)

According to various sources, the following medications are commonly prescribed to treat HCM:

• Beta blockers: These medications can help reduce the heart's workload and slow down the heart rate. They are often prescribed to patients with HCM to alleviate symptoms such as chest pain and shortness of breath. [1][2]
• Calcium channel blockers: These medications can also help reduce the heart's workload by relaxing the muscles in the heart. They may be prescribed to patients with HCM who experience symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath. [3][4]
• Disopyramide: This medication is a type of anti-arrhythmic drug that can help regulate the heartbeat and prevent abnormal heart rhythms. It may be prescribed to patients with HCM who experience arrhythmias. [5]
• Mavacamten (Camzyos): This is a relatively new medication specifically approved for the treatment of obstructive HCM in adults with symptoms. It works by reducing the strain on the heart and improving heart function. [6][7]

It's worth noting that while these medications can help alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life, they may not completely eliminate the condition. In some cases, more aggressive treatments such as septal myectomy or heart transplantation may be necessary.

Prevalence of Medication Use in HCM Patients

According to a study published in 2020, beta blockers are the most commonly prescribed medication for patients with HCM, followed by calcium channel blockers and anti-arrhythmic medications. [8]

In another study published in 2024, it was found that up to 52% of patients with HCM were prescribed non-cardioselective beta blockers, while 50% were prescribed platelet aggregation inhibitors. [9]

Differential Diagnosis of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (