Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Overview

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a rare disorder, is diagnosed and treated at Mayo Clinic by experienced cardiovascular specialists and cardiac (heart) surgeons. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the abnormal thickening of the heart muscle and affects one or two people in every 1,000. More than 4,000 people with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy have been evaluated and treated at Mayo Clinic since 1959, with 400 to 500 patients seen each year.

Mayo Clinic's integrated, collaborative team approach provides the most appropriate care for each patient with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. A team of medical specialists from cardiology, cardiac surgery and genetics works closely with patients, who may have different symptoms and related health issues.

The team works together to develop the most appropriate treatment plan to meet the patient's needs. This team approach is particularly effective in the treatment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a complex condition that can be caused by a variety of gene abnormalities. The team approach also enables patients and their families to receive a full evaluation and treatment plan within several days.

Mayo Clinic in Minnesota offers an integrated team of specialists in the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Clinic to provide diagnosis and treatment for patients.

At Mayo Clinic, diagnostic evaluation and treatment goals for patients with suspected or confirmed hypertrophic cardiomyopathy include:

• Patient and family education — A cardiologist and nurse specialist will discuss appropriate activity levels, avoiding circumstances that may lead to potentially dangerous situations. A cardiologist will also discuss medications, diet and nutrition information, and treatment options.
  
  Mayo Clinic specialists also recommend evaluating family members for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Parents can pass on the condition to their children, who may be severely affected, even when the parent is relatively healthy.
• Evaluate current health — Physicians will evaluate each patient's current health through an extensive personal and family history and medical tests. If a patient is at high risk of heart deterioration, sudden death or other complications, immediate steps will be taken to reduce these risks.
• Recommend treatment — After patient evaluation and interpretation of laboratory test results, the Mayo physician team will develop a treatment plan to reduce symptoms and decrease stress on the heart. The plan may include surgery or advanced drug therapies.

Diagnosis

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is diagnosed by an integrated team of physicians in cardiovascular diseases, cardiac surgery, genetics, and specialists from other areas, as needed. Mayo Clinic has state-of-the-art facilities and equipment to aid in diagnosis. Read more about hypertrophic cardiomyopathy diagnosis.

Treatment

Physicians and nurse educators at Mayo Clinic work closely with each patient and family to provide complete information on hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and treatment options that are available. Mayo Clinic offers the most advanced treatment and surgeries available for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Treatment options depend upon the condition of the heart and the severity of symptoms. Treatment at Mayo Clinic includes medication, surgery, or the implantation of a pacemaker or automatic defibrillator. Read more about hypertrophic cardiomyopathy treatment.

Comparison of normal heart and heart with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

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About Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the abnormal thickening of the heart muscle. This thickening interferes with the heart's functions by reducing blood flow into and out of the heart chambers. The disease has also been called asymmetrical septal hypertrophy (ASH), idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis (IHSS), and muscular subaortic stenosis.

Read more about hypertrophic cardiomyopathy at MayoClinic.com.