Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

People with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy have an abnormally thick heart muscle that interferes with the ability of the heart to pump blood. Family members should also be evaluated for this disease since hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can be inherited. The Heart Center includes a complete module on hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, with much detail on treatments for the condition.

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Treatment generally is not undertaken until the symptoms of shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, or palpitations develop. The first line of treatment is usually medication. Beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, or antiarrhythmics can be used to relieve symptoms of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

When medications no longer relieve the symptoms of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a surgical procedure known as a myectomy may be warranted. Myectomy, the surgical removal of muscle tissue blocking blood flow out of the heart, is currently considered the safest and most successful treatment for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Myectomy is a specialized procedure with the best results produced by experienced surgeons.

Other treatment options include septal ablation or implantation of a cardiac pacemaker. Septal ablation, a heart catheterization technique that incapacitates and shrinks the localized area of obstructing muscle of the heart, can also be an effective treatment. This treatment is considered experimental by the American Heart Association and lacks long-term data on the survival of patients. Implantable pacemakers, which generally are not as successful as myectomy or septal ablation, are an option for people who cannot or will not undergo surgery or catheterization.

Approximately 1 percent of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy die suddenly with little or no warning; sudden death may be the first symptom a person experiences. All people with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy should be evaluated to determine their risk of sudden death. Cardioverter defibrillators are usually implanted in individuals at increased risk for sudden death.