HYPERTROPHIC CARDIOMYOPATHY
HYPERTROPHIC CARDIOMYOPATHY
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy ( HCM ) often goes undiagnosed in asymptomatic patients or is misdiagnosed as asthma . Found in less than 1 % of the general adult population , HCM frequently is diagnosed in older individuals undergoing echocardiography during a cardiovascular evaluation , and it is considered to be a significant cause of sudden cardiac death among adolescents and young adults . Patients diagnosed with familial HCM should consider genetic testing for their family members , as HCM is the most common inherited cardiac disorder .
Clinical suspicion for HCM may be considered if a patient has an abnormal EKG , experiences syncope without a known cause , and / or suffers a cardiac arrest . Advances in therapies such as radiologic imaging have augmented the diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities and contributed to greater lifespans and quality of life for patients with HCM .
UAB ’ s multidisciplinary team approach to the evaluation , diagnosis , and treatment of HCM – along with high patient volume for this condition – has positioned UAB as a center of excellence for both obstructive and nonobstructive HCM . This team includes specialists in cardiology , interventional cardiology , electrophysiology , and surgery . This unique , collaborative approach utilizes many of the testing modalities listed below , which enable a complete and thorough evaluation . These evaluations are methodically considered and help our team develop the most appropriate and patient-focused treatment , with the goal of improving the patient ’ s quality of life , symptoms , and risk profile .
Our unique approach to HCM features multiple diagnostic modalities , including :
• EKG
• Advanced 3D transesophageal echocardiography
• 3D cardiac MRI
• CT
• Cardiac catheterization with hemodynamic studies
HCM treatment is tailored to each individual patient and may include :
• Medical management , such as lifestyle modifications and pharmacological options
• Catheter-based therapies – Alcohol septal ablation – ICD implantation
• Surgical therapies – Septal myectomy – Heart transplantation may be considered for patients with advanced , end-stage HCM
The key to HCM management is a multidisciplinary team approach , which leads to better outcomes , more accurate diagnoses , more effective medical management , and more appropriate timing for needed procedures . Risk attenuation is achieved with catheter evaluation and management and through procedures being performed by clinicians who have the technical expertise to obtain the most optimal outcome . Appropriate follow-up care and ongoing communication with referring providers also are important factors in caring for patients with HCM .
NUMBER OF PATIENTS TREATED WITH A DIAGNOSIS OF HYPERTROPHIC CARDIOMYOPATHY
Patients with suspected HCM should be referred to a center where a multidisciplinary approach is applied .
10 UAB Cardiovascular Institute Annual Report