hypertrophic cardiomyopathy 16

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) Description

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a disease in which the heart muscle becomes thickened, also called hypertrophied. This thickening can lead to obstruction of blood flow out of the heart and can cause symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and fainting.

Causes and Characteristics

• HCM is most often caused by abnormal genes in the sarcomere protein genes encoding myosin heavy chain (MYH7) or other related proteins [5].
• The thickening of the heart muscle can occur in any part of the heart, but it most commonly affects the left ventricle [4].
• HCM can also cause thickening in other parts of the heart, such as the right ventricle and atria [3].

Symptoms and Complications

• Symptoms of HCM can include chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, and palpitations [1].
• In severe cases, HCM can lead to sudden cardiac death, particularly in young athletes [9].
• HCM can also increase the risk of heart failure and arrhythmias [8].

References

[1] Feb 23, 2024 — Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a disease in which the heart muscle becomes thickened, also called hypertrophied. [3] This type of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy may be called hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM). HCM also may cause thickening in other parts of your ... [4] May 8, 2024 — Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a condition in which the heart muscle becomes thick. Sometimes, only one part of the heart is thicker ... [5] by H Basit · 2023 · Cited by 24 — Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is an autosomal dominant cardiac myocyte disease caused by mutations in sarcomere protein genes encoding ... [8] Aug 14, 2024 — Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common genetic cardiovascular disease. This disorder is caused by a mutations in genes ... [9] by AJ Marian · 2017 · Cited by 1336 — Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a genetic disorder that is characterized by left ventricular hypertrophy unexplained by secondary ...

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a condition characterized by thickening of the heart muscle, which can lead to various symptoms. The signs and symptoms of HCM can vary from person to person, but common complaints include:

• Chest pain: This is one of the most common symptoms of HCM, often described as a squeezing or pressure sensation in the chest [2][3].
• Shortness of breath: People with HCM may experience shortness of breath, especially during physical exertion or when lying down [1][4].
• Fatigue: Fatigue is another common symptom of HCM, which can be attributed to the heart's inability to pump enough blood efficiently [2][5].
• Dizziness and fainting spells: Some individuals with HCM may experience dizziness or fainting spells, especially during physical activity or when changing positions quickly [1][6].
• Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia): An irregular heartbeat can be a symptom of HCM, which can increase the risk of sudden cardiac death [4][7].

It's essential to note that not everyone with HCM will experience all of these symptoms. In some cases, people may have no symptoms at all, but still have the condition.

References: [1] - Context result 3 [2] - Context result 5 [3] - Context result 7 [4] - Context result 8 [5] - Context result 6 [6] - Context result 9 [7] - Context result 4

Diagnostic Tests for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) can be diagnosed using various tests, which are essential in confirming the presence of this condition. Here are some of the key diagnostic tests used to diagnose HCM:

• Physical Exam: A physical exam is conducted by a doctor to check for any signs or symptoms that may indicate HCM. This includes checking the heart rate, blood pressure, and listening to the heartbeat with a stethoscope.
• Imaging Studies: Imaging studies such as echocardiogram (ECG) are used to create images of the heart. An ECG is the most common test used to diagnose HCM, as it will usually show the thickening of the heart walls [5].
• Genetic Testing: Genetic testing can be done from a blood sample to identify gene mutations that cause HCM. This is important for patients who want to know their own prognosis and if they have passed on the condition to their family members [6].
• Echocardiogram: An echocardiogram is an ultrasound test that uses sound waves to create images of the beating heart. It can show the thickening of the heart walls, which is a characteristic of HCM [5].
• Blood Tests: Blood tests may be done to check for any signs of heart damage or other conditions that may be related to HCM.
• Other Diagnostic Tools: Other diagnostic tools such as electrocardiogram (ECG), cardiac MRI, and cardiac CT scan may also be used to diagnose HCM.

References:

[1] NYU Langone doctors conduct a physical exam, imaging studies, and, sometimes, genetic tests to diagnose hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Learn more. [1] [5] An echocardiogram is the most common test used to diagnose hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, as this test will usually show the thickening of your heart walls. Other ... [5] [6] Genetic testing can be done from a blood sample. It is important for two reasons: patients can find out more about their own prognosis, and they learn if family ... [6]

Note: The numbers in square brackets refer to the search results provided in the context.

Treatment Options for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a genetic condition that affects the heart muscle, causing it to become thickened and obstructed. While there are various treatment options available, drug therapy plays a crucial role in managing symptoms and improving quality of life.

Medications Used to Treat HCM

Several medications have been prescribed to treat HCM, including:

• Beta blockers: These medications slow down the heart rate and reduce the force of contraction, which can help alleviate symptoms such as chest pain and shortness of breath. [1][2]
• Calcium channel blockers: These medications can help relax the blood vessels and improve blood flow to the heart, reducing symptoms such as chest pain and fatigue. [3][4]
• Disopyramide: This medication is used to treat abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) associated with HCM. [5]
• Mavacamten: A new investigational cardiac medication that has been approved by the FDA to treat adults with symptomatic HCM. It works by reducing the strain on the heart, improving symptoms and quality of life. [6][7]

Other Treatment Options

In addition to drug therapy, other treatment options for HCM include:

• Surgery: Septal myectomy and alcohol septal ablation are surgical procedures that can help relieve obstruction in the heart. [8]
• Heart transplantation: In severe cases of HCM, a heart transplant may be necessary to improve survival rates. [9]

References

[1] Feb 23, 2024 — A medicine called mavacamten (Camzyos) that reduces the strain on the heart. It can treat obstructive HCM in adults with symptoms.

[2] Jul 25, 2022 — Treatment options for HCM and obstructive HCM include medication, surgery and—for some—heart transplantation.

[3] by C Palandri · 2022 · Cited by 39 — Guideline-directed therapy of HCM includes non-selective drugs such as disopyramide, non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers, or β-adrenergic receptor...

[4] Commonly prescribed medications for HCM include beta blockers, disopyramide, calcium channel blockers, heart rhythm medications, and anticoagulants.

[5] by C Palandri · 2022 · Cited by 39 — Guideline-directed therapy of HCM includes non-selective drugs such as disopyramide...

[6] Apr 29, 2022 — FDA has approved Camzyos (mavacamten) capsules to treat adults with symptomatic New York Heart Association (NYHA)

[7] May 11, 2022 — Mavacamten is a brand new drug can treat heart patients with a genetic condition that thickens the heart muscle.

[8] by W Xu · 2024 — For drug-refractory obstructive HCM, septal myectomy and ASA are presently regarded as standard therapeutic techniques.

[9] May 11, 2022 — Mavacamten is a brand new drug can treat heart patients with a genetic condition that thickens the heart muscle.

The differential diagnosis for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) involves ruling out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms and physical findings. Some of the key considerations in the differential diagnosis of HCM include:

• Systemic hypertension: High blood pressure can cause left ventricular hypertrophy, which may mimic the thickening seen in HCM.
• Aortic stenosis: A narrowing of the aortic valve can lead to left ventricular hypertrophy and symptoms similar to those seen in HCM.
• Athlete's heart: Physiologic remodeling due to intense physical training can cause left ventricular hypertrophy, which may be mistaken for HCM.
• Fabry disease, other storage diseases, and cardiac amyloidosis: These conditions can also cause thickening of the left ventricle and may be considered in the differential diagnosis of HCM.

It's essential to note that HCM is a distinct clinical entity with complex symptomatology and potentially devastating consequences for patients and their families. A comprehensive evaluation, including genetic testing, echocardiography, and other diagnostic modalities, is necessary to establish an accurate diagnosis.

References:

• [8] Systemic hypertension and aortic stenosis are the most common causes of acquired left ventricular hypertrophy and should be excluded when HCM is suspected.
• [10] Differential Diagnosis. Systemic hypertension and aortic stenosis are the most common causes of acquired left ventricular hypertrophy and should be excluded when HCM is suspected.
• [12] The differential diagnosis for HCM includes increased left ventricular wall thickness due to acquired, syndromic (with other systemic involvement), and nonsyndromic (without other systemic involvement) disorders.