Pathophysiology and Treatment of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)
Publish Date: 06/27/2015 Number of Videos: 1
Learn more about NYU Langone's HCM Program
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a complex cardiac disease marked by thickening of the heart muscle that occurs without clinical cause. The disease affects individuals differently, with different degrees of muscular wall thickening and a variety of symptoms. Patients may experience shortness of breath, exercise intolerance, chest pressure or pain, fainting, or no symptoms at all. In unusual cases HCM can cause sudden cardiac death.. (read more)
Treating HCM
All patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) have five aspects of care addressed.
- We detect the presence or absence of risk factors for sudden arrhythmic death. If the patient appears to be at high risk, we discuss the benefits and risks of an intravenous or a subcutaneous implanted defibrillator and many such patients will be implanted.
- Symptoms are appraised and may be treated through medicine, surgery, or alcohol ablation.
- Patients are advised to avoid athletic competition and extremes of physical exertion.
- First degree family members should be screened with echocardiography and ECG, or genetic testing.
- Finally, if the patient has a high cholesterol level, we advise diet and prescribe cholesterol reducing medication as needed.
Our Faculty
Recently published review articles:
Treatment of Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Symptoms and Gradient Resistant to First-Line Therapy With β-Blockade or Verapamil
Surgical Myectomy for Obstructive HCM
Disopyramide for Left Ventricular Obstruction in HCM
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