Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

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Heart, front view

Heart, section through the middle

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy - hypertrophic (HCM); IHSS; Idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis; Asymmetric septal hypertrophy; ASH; HOCM; Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy

The goal of treatment is to control symptoms and prevent complications. Some patients may need to stay in the hospital until the condition is under control (stabilized).

Medicines may be needed to help the heart contract and relax correctly. Drugs include beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers. These medicines reduce chest pain and pain during exercise.

When blood flow out of the heart is severely blocked, an operation called myotomy-myectomy is done. This procedure cuts and removes the thickened part of the heart. Patients who have this procedure often show significant improvement.

If the heart's mitral valve is leaking, surgery may be done to repair or replace the valve.

Some people with arrhythmias may need anti-arrhythmic medications. If the arrhythmia is atrial fibrillation, blood thinners will also be used to reduce the risk of blood clots.

In some cases, a patient may be given an injection of alcohol into the arteries that feed the thickened part of the heart. This procedure is called alcohol septal ablation. It helps decrease the blockage and helps blood flow out of the heart.

An implantable-cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) may be needed to prevent sudden death. ICDs are used in high-risk patients. High risks include severe heart muscle thickness, life-threatening heart rhythms, a history of fainting, or a family history of sudden cardiac death.

Some persons with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy may not have symptoms and live a normal life span. Others may get worse gradually or rapidly. The condition may develop into dilated cardiomyopathy in some patients.

Persons with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy are at higher risk for sudden death than the normal population. Sudden death can occur at a young age.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a well-known cause of sudden death in athletes. Almost half of deaths in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy happen during or just after the patient has done some type of physical activity.