(Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic—Adult; HCM—Adult; Idiopathic Hypertrophic Subaortic Stenosis—Adult; Asymmetric Septal Hypertrophy—Adult; ASH—Adult; HOCM—Adult; Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy—Adult)
Definition
Definition
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is a form of cardiomyopathy. This is a condition in which the heart muscle thickens due to genetic problems with the muscle’s structure. As the muscle thickens, it must work harder to pump blood, which strains the heart muscle. Sometimes, the thickened muscle gets in the way of the blood leaving the heart and causes a blockage. This blockage can cause the nearby heart valve, called the mitral valve, to become leaky. HCM can cause uneven muscle growth which can cause the heart to pump in a disorganized way. Rarely, it can cause abnormal heart rhythms that can even be fatal.
There are three main types of cardiomyopathy:
- Dilated
-
Hypertrophic—can be divided into two types:
- Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM)—the muscle between the two valves of the heart becomes so enlarged that it obstructs the blood flow in the heart
- Non-obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy—non-obstructive form, the enlarged muscle is not large enough to block blood flow
- Restrictive
Normal Heart and Heart With Hypertrophic CardiomyopathyCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
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Causes
Causes
Causes of HCM include:
- A gene that causes the abnormal structure of the heart muscle. It can be inherited or can happen from changes in the genes over time.
- A defective gene that controls growth of the heart muscle
- A viral infection
In people over age 60, HCM is likely to be caused by or related to high blood pressure.
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
HCM can occur in people of all ages. But, it is usually most severe when it occurs in younger people.
These factors increase your chance of developing this condition. Tell your doctor if you have any of these risk factors:
- Having a family member with HCM
- Being over age 60 and having hypertension
Symptoms
Symptoms
Symptoms include:
- Chest pain
- Fainting, particularly during exercise
- Lightheadedness, particularly following exercise
- Rapid heartbeat
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- General fatigue
- Tiring easily during exercise or activity
- Shortness of breath when lying down
These symptoms can be caused by some of the side effects of the condition, including arrhythmias (abnormal heart beats). The blocked or reduced blood flow is usually the cause of symptoms like lightheadedness, fainting, and difficulty breathing.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.
Your bodily fluids may be tested. This can be done with blood tests.
Your body’s response to exercise may be tested. This can be done with a stress test.
Images may be taken of your bodily structures. This can be done with:
Your heart activity may be monitored. This can be done with a portable electrocardiogram (ECG).
The diagnosis is only made in people who do not have other causes of cardiomyopathy such as amyloidosis, sarcoidosis, coronary or valvular heart disease.
Treatment
Treatment
Those with HCM are at an increased risk of sudden death. However, many individuals with HCM live a normal, healthy life with few symptoms.
Treatment focuses on controlling symptoms and preventing complications. Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include:
Medications
Medications may be used to help maintain proper and regular heart function. These may include beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers.
If you have an arrhythmia, you may need anti-arrhythmic drugs. You may also need blood-thinning medication.
Surgery
The thickened portion of the heart muscle is cut and removed. This may be needed if you have severely blocked blood flow from the heart.
If the mitral valve is leaking, surgery may also be done to repair or replace the mitral valve.
Alcohol Septal Ablation
Alcohol is injected into the arteries of the thickened portion of the heart. This helps to reduce the blockage in the heart and improve blood flow out of the heart.
Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICD)
This ICD is implanted if you are at increased risk for sudden death.
Prevention
Prevention
To help reduce your chances of getting HCM, take the following steps:
- If you have a family member who has been diagnosed with HCM, then you and other family members should be screened for the condition.
- If family history puts you at higher risk for HCM, then regular echocardiograms may reduce the risk of death or complications from HCM.
- If you have high blood pressure, take medications and follow other instructions as directed by your physician.
RESOURCES:
Cardiomyopathy Association http://www.cardiomyopathy.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada http://www.heartandstroke.com
References:
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/More/Cardiomyopathy/Cardiomyopathy_UCM_444459_SubHomePage.jsp
Accessed September 30, 2014.
Erwin JP, Nishimura RA, et al. Dual chamber pacing for patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy: a clinical perspective in 2000. Mayo Clin Proc . 2000;75:173-180.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated May 19, 2014. Accessed September 30, 2014.
Maron BJ, Nishimura RA, et al. Assessment of permanent dual chamber pacing for patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Circulation. 1999;99:2927-2933.
McCully RB, Nishimura RA, et al. Extent of clinical improvement after surgical treatment of hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. Circulation. 1996;94:467-471.
What is HCM? St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital Center website. Available at:
http://www.hcmny.org/whatis/index.html
. Accessed September 30, 2014.
Last Updated: 9/30/2014