What is the most common cause of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is most often caused by abnormal genes in the heart muscle. These genes cause the walls of the heart chamber (left ventricle) to become thicker than normal.

Which drugs are contraindicated in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?

Agents to reduce pre- or afterload (such as nitrate, ACE inhibitors, nifedipine-type calcium antagonists) are contraindicated with HOCM due to possible aggravation of the outflow tract obstruction.

What is the difference between hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy?

In most people with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the muscular wall (septum) between the two bottom chambers of the heart (ventricles) becomes thicker than normal. As a result, the thicker wall may block blood flow out of the heart. This is called obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

At what age does hypertrophic cardiomyopathy develop?

HCM patients can be diagnosed at any age, from birth to age 80+, there are even cases of those in their 90’s with new diagnoses. Although hypertrophy may be present at birth or in childhood, it is much more common for the heart to appear normal then.

Can hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy be cured?

There is no cure for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). However, several treatments are available to relieve or eliminate symptoms and provide protection against sudden death, providing the vast majority of HCM patients the opportunity to achieve normal longevity with an excellent quality of life.

How can you tell the difference between HOCM and MVP?

An MVP murmur can be distinguished from a hypertrophic cardiomyopathy murmur by the presence of a mid-systolic click which is virtually diagnostic of MVP. The handgrip maneuver diminishes the murmur of an MVP and the murmur of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.