hypertrophic cardiomyopathy 6

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a condition in which the heart muscle becomes thickened, leading to various complications. This type of HCM may be called hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM). In addition to thickening in the left ventricle, HCM also may cause thickening in other parts of your heart.

The thickening of the heart muscle can lead to a range of symptoms and complications, including:

• Reduced pumping ability of the heart
• Thickening in other parts of the heart, such as the right ventricle or atria
• Scarring between heart cells
• Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain or discomfort

It's essential to note that HCM can be caused by various factors, including genetic mutations, and may affect individuals of all ages. However, it is most commonly diagnosed in young people, particularly those who are physically active.

Symptoms of HCM can vary widely among affected individuals, and some people may not experience any symptoms at all. When symptoms do occur, they can range from mild to severe and may include:

• Shortness of breath during physical activity
• Chest pain or discomfort when exercising
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Fainting (syncope)
• Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias)

If you suspect that you or a family member may be affected by HCM, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and treatment.

Citations: [6] This type of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy may be called hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM). HCM also may cause thickening in other parts of your ... [6] [5] Since the initial descriptions of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), the feature that has attracted the greatest attention is the dynamic pressure gradient across the LV outflow tract. [5] [10] Result: noun | a disorder in which the heart muscle is so strong that it does not relax enough to fill with the heart with blood and so has reduced pumping ability [10] [15] 1 month ago - Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM, or HOCM when obstructive) is a condition in which muscle tissues of the heart become thickened without an obvious cause. The parts of the heart most commonly affected are the interventricular septum and the ventricles. This results in the heart being less able ... [15]

Common Signs and Symptoms of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

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

• Angina: Chest pain or discomfort that occurs during physical exertion or stress [6]
• Palpitations: Irregular heartbeat or a feeling of skipped beats [6]
• Syncope: Fainting spells, especially during exercise or physical exertion [6]

Additionally, some people with HCM may experience:

• Shortness of breath (dyspnea) with exertion
• Fatigue
• Dizziness

It's essential to note that not everyone with HCM will exhibit all of these symptoms. In fact, many people with the condition remain asymptomatic or have mild symptoms [6].

References: [6] Symptoms and Signs of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy · angina), · palpitations, and · syncope. Because systolic function is preserved, fatigability is seldom reported ...

Diagnostic Tests for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) can be diagnosed using various tests, which are essential in confirming the condition and ruling out other possible causes. Here are some common diagnostic tests used to diagnose HCM:

• Echocardiogram: An echocardiogram is a non-invasive test that uses sound waves to create images of the heart's structure and function. It can show thickening of the heart muscle, which is a hallmark of HCM [4].
• Electrocardiogram (ECG): An ECG measures the electrical activity of the heart and can detect abnormal heart rhythms associated with HCM [8].
• Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Cardiac MRI provides detailed images of the heart's structure and function, which can help diagnose HCM and assess its severity [3].
• Blood tests: Blood tests may be conducted to rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms. They can also detect genetic mutations associated with HCM [7].

These diagnostic tests are crucial in confirming a diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and determining the best course of treatment.

References:

[3] Feb 27, 2020 — Echocardiography is the key to diagnosis and MRI may play a future role in sudden death risk stratification. Assessment for genetically mediated ... (Search Result 2) [4] May 29, 2024 — Diagnosis is typically done by echocardiogram. It checks the function and thickness of the heart muscle and how the blood flows through the ... (Search Result 5) [7] 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 ... (Search Result 6)

New Investigational Cardiac Medication for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Research has shown that a new investigational cardiac medication, mavacamten, may improve heart function for people with thickened heart muscle leading to obstructed blood flow through the heart, a condition known as obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (oHCM) [6]. This medication has been found to reduce symptoms and improve exercise capacity in patients with oHCM.

Key Points:

• Mavacamten is an investigational cardiac medication for treating oHCM.
• It may improve heart function and reduce symptoms in patients with oHCM.
• Research highlights the potential benefits of mavacamten in improving exercise capacity and symptoms in patients with oHCM.

Citations: [6]

Differential Diagnosis of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a genetically determined heart condition that can be challenging to diagnose due to its similarities with other cardiac conditions. The differential diagnosis of HCM involves excluding other possible causes of thickened left ventricular walls and symptoms.

Other Conditions to Consider

• Mural thrombus: A blood clot in the left ventricle that can cause similar symptoms to HCM.
• Hypertrabeculation or non-compaction: A rare condition characterized by an abnormal trabecular meshwork in the left ventricle, which can mimic HCM.
• Endomyocardial fibrosis: A rare condition where the inner layer of the heart becomes scarred and thickened.

Key Points to Consider

• The differential diagnosis of apical HCM includes mural thrombus, hypertrabeculation or non-compaction, and endomyocardial fibrosis.
• These conditions can present with similar symptoms and echocardiographic findings as HCM.
• A thorough medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests are essential to rule out these differential diagnoses.

References

• [6] by MS Maron (cited by 13) - This source highlights the importance of considering other conditions in the differential diagnosis of HCM.