Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle. It can cause sudden death, particularly in young, active men. Medicines can prevent a fatal outcome. Further research is being carried out in the search for better treatments.
Disease: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Last update: May 2003
Intro
FAQ
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What is it?
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a genetic disease where the muscle of the left ventricle of the heart increases in thickness. It is a relatively common cause of sudden death, particularly in young, active men. -
Who gets it?
It has been estimated that there are 800,000 people in Europe who carry the genetic mutation for the disease. Fortunately, the prevalence of the disease is lower. Some 200 per million are expected to develop heart failure. Others will not show signs of the disease during their lives. -
What can be done about it?
Medicines called beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers have been developed to help keep the heart working. Other medicines or an implantable defibrillator treat the life-threatening irregular heartbeat. The obstruction may be reduced by specific procedures, in symptomatic patients. -
What does the future hold?
Researchers are studying treatments which control the growth of heart cells. Other medicines, called ACE inhibitors and A-2 blockers, are being examined because their use is considered to reverse the abnormal heart muscle thickening.
In the longer term, studies are underway to understand the genetic mutation that underlies this deadly condition. Screening will become crucial.