Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) Care at PIH Health
Understanding and Managing Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is a condition where the heart muscle becomes thicker than normal. This thickening can make it harder for your heart to pump blood effectively and may cause symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, or irregular heartbeats.
HCM is often inherited, meaning it can run in families. While some people with HCM may have few or no symptoms, others can experience serious complications, including heart rhythm problems or, in rare cases, sudden cardiac arrest.
At PIH Health, we are dedicated to providing expert diagnosis, personalized treatment, and ongoing support to help you live well with HCM.
What You Should Know About HCM
- Thickened Heart Muscle: The thickening usually affects the wall between the heart’s lower chambers (ventricles), making it harder for the heart to fill and pump properly.
- Symptoms: Many people with HCM have no symptoms, but common signs include shortness of breath during activity, chest pain, feeling lightheaded, or palpitations.
- Risk Factors: Since HCM is often genetic, family history is an important factor. It can affect people of any age.
How We Diagnose HCM
Our team uses advanced testing to get a clear picture of your heart’s structure and function:
- Echocardiogram (Heart Ultrasound): To measure the thickness of your heart muscle and assess how well your heart is pumping.
- Cardiac MRI (CMR) with Contrast: Provides detailed assessment of heart muscle thickness, identifies scarring, and detects complications like apical aneurysms. This advanced imaging is typically performed initially and repeated every 3-5 years or more frequently based on your clinical circumstances.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG): To check your heart’s rhythm and detect abnormal beats.
- Exercise Stress Testing: To observe how your heart works during physical activity.
- Genetic Testing: To identify inherited causes and help inform your family’s health.
Treatment and Care
Treatment for HCM is tailored to your symptoms and overall health, with goals to improve symptoms, reduce complications, and protect your heart:
- Heart Function Medications: To help your heart pump better and control symptoms like chest pain or irregular heartbeats.
- Myosin Inhibitors Medication: A newer class of medication for adults with obstructive HCM who continue to have symptoms despite standard medications.
- Lifestyle Guidance: Recommendations on safe exercise and managing stress to support heart health.
- Procedures: In some cases, minimally invasive treatments or surgery may be needed to reduce heart muscle thickness or manage arrhythmias.
- Sudden Cardiac Death Prevention: Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) can prevent sudden cardiac death in high-risk patients with HCM. We perform risk stratification to identify patients who may benefit from ICD.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Regular checkups to monitor your heart’s function and adjust treatment as needed.
Family Screening and Genetic Counseling
- Because HCM is inherited, all first-degree relatives should undergo both clinical screening (ECG and echocardiogram) and genetic testing when a disease-causing variant is identified.
- Screening is recommended for those with affected relatives.
Why Choose PIH Health for HCM Care?
- Experienced cardiologists specializing in heart muscle diseases
- Comprehensive testing and personalized treatment plans
- Support for you and your family, including genetic counseling
- Coordinated care with heart rhythm specialists and surgeons when needed
- A compassionate team dedicated to helping you live a full, active life
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy—or if you have a family history and want to learn more—PIH Health is here to provide expert care and support every step of the way.
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