Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Understanding Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a condition where the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick and stiff, making it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively. This can cause symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness or even fainting.

This condition affects the heart by either making it harder for the heart muscle to pump blood efficiently or by creating an obstruction that restricts blood flow.

HCM is often caused by genetic factors, which means this condition can run in families. Patients with this condition who become pregnant will have specific needs throughout their pregnancies. Our maternal-fetal medicine specialists at Riley Children’s Health offer specialized care to patients with HCM who are pregnant.

Many people with HCM live normal, healthy lives. This is especially true if they pursue proper heart monitoring, lifestyle adjustments and any necessary medical treatments or procedures.

To make an appointment with IU Health Cardiovascular Services, please contact 317.962.9700.

Symptoms of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

You may not have any symptoms of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Instead, it may be detected during a routine exam. Signs of the condition include:

• Chest pain
• Dizziness
• Fainting episodes
• Heart murmur, especially in young people
• Shortness of breath
• Palpitations

Diagnosis

Advanced diagnostic techniques for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy include:

Echocardiogram

Using sound waves, your doctor can see the size and movement of your heart muscles. Learn more about echocardiogram at IU Health.

Cardiac MRI

Your provider might want to take some highly detailed pictures of your heart using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to better understand your condition and treat you more effectively.

Genetic Counseling

A blood test or mouth swab helps your doctor understand the genetic cause of HCM, which can guide your treatment options. Because HCM is inherited, there’s a chance it can be passed on to your children. Once your doctor identifies the genetic variant for your HCM, your family members can get tested for this genetic marker free of charge. Family members with this gene should be monitored periodically.

What are Treatment Options for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy?

Many treatments are available to manage hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Treatment will depend on the severity of your condition and may include:

Medications

IU Health cardiologists offer targeted therapies specifically designed to address the root cause of HCM and alleviate your symptoms. Medicines can help you feel better by reducing symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue.

Septal Myectomy

If medicines do not work, certain patients may be good candidates for surgical removal of the thickened heart muscle. This open-heart surgery trims the extra muscle in the heart to make room for blood to flow. This can reduce the strain on your heart and improve its ability to pump blood efficiently.

Minimally Invasive Septal Ablation

Septal ablation is a non-surgical, minimally invasive procedure that basically creates a heart attack to thin out the thickened muscle. In this procedure, the cardiologist identifies the blood vessel in the left ventricle that supplies the thickened part of the heart and injects alcohol directly into the blood vessel. This shrinks the muscles and relieves the symptoms.

Implantable Cardioverter

HCM increases a patient’s risk for sudden cardiac death (SCD). An implantable cardioverter device uses electrical impulses to regulate your heartbeat and reduce the risk of SCD.

Heart Transplant

If hypertrophic cardiomyopathy leads to severe heart failure, a heart transplant is necessary.

Research

IU Health cardiologists are dedicated to advancing medical knowledge and improving care for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy through innovative research at the IU School of Medicine. To learn more about ongoing research or explore opportunities to participate in clinical trials, please discuss this with your doctor at your next appointment. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.