Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Clinic
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a heart condition that is often inherited and affects the heart muscle, causing it to become thicker than usual. This thickening can block blood flow, making it harder for the heart to pump effectively. The condition is caused by changes in specific genes that relate to proteins essential for the heart muscle to function properly.
Most cases of HCM are passed down through families, meaning if someone in your family has it, you might be at risk too. However, not everyone with the gene will develop the condition.
Doctors diagnose HCM by looking for a thickening of the heart’s left ventricle wall, which should measure 15 mm or more, without any other clear reason, such as high blood pressure or heart valve issues. People with HCM may experience symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, heart palpitations, or even fainting. In some cases, people don’t notice any symptoms until they find out through family history or routine checks.
HCM can lead to problems with how the heart fills with blood, which can worsen the blockage caused by the thickened muscle. This can increase the risk of serious issues like heart failure or sudden cardiac arrest.
Typically, HCM is diagnosed in young adults in their 20s or 30s, but more cases are being identified in older individuals than before. An echocardiogram, a type of ultrasound for the heart, is the most common and reliable test for diagnosing HCM, but it might miss some cases.
As medical technology advances, doctors are learning about new imaging techniques that can help them better understand and treat this condition.
Our Services
Diagnostic Evaluations
- Echocardiography
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Genetic Testing and Counseling
Treatment Options
- Medication Management
- Septal Myectomy Surgery
- Septal Alcohol Ablation
- Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) Placement
Specialized Care
- Risk Stratification
- Exercise Prescription
- Family Screening
- Long-term Management
Clinic Team
Our multidisciplinary team includes experts in interventional cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery, electrophysiology, echocardiography, nursing, and genetics, dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with HCM through the development of an individualized care plan.
Ajith Nair, MD
James Livesay, MD
Nikolaos Diakos, MD, PhD
Alexander Postalian, MD
Eduardo Hernandez, MD
Robert Paisley, MD
Stephanie Coulter, MD
Joseph G. Rogers, MD
Clinic Coordinator
Learn More
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is an inherited disease that directly affects the heart muscle. Learn More
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Decoding the Mystery of a Thickened Heart
Make an Appointment
Contact the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Clinic Coordinator or request an appointment through the Contact Us form below.