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Heart Failure Care

Related to: HCM, asymmetric septal hypertrophy, familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic nonobstructive cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis, IHSS, cardiomyopathy care

Patient with physician

 

UT Health San Antonio's cardiology practice is South Texas’ resource for complete hypertrophic cardiomyopathy care. We provide patients and families with education, guidance and care for managing their condition throughout their lifetime.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common genetic cardiovascular disease, affecting men and women of all ages. It is a complex cardiac disease marked by abnormal thickening of the heart muscle. Our Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy team consists of expert cardiac physicians who diagnose and treat patients. Our dedicated practice is extensively trained in examining patients to determine the type of disease and amount to develop the most effective treatment plan for relieving symptoms.

The majority of patients with HCM can be treated with medications alone. For patients whose symptoms are not relieved with medication, interventional options such as surgery, pacemaker implantation or alcohol septal ablation may be advised. We also teach other physicians how to manage patients during non-cardiac surgery and pregnancy.

Symptoms

What is Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy?

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common genetic cardiovascular disease, affecting men and women of all ages. It is a complex cardiac disease marked by abnormal thickening of the heart muscle.

Because HCM is a genetic disease, it does not affect everyone the same way. Symptoms range from no symptoms at all, to congestive heart failure, shortness of breath, exercise intolerance, chest pressure or pain, fainting, stroke and even sudden cardiac death. HCM is the most common cause of sudden cardiac death in young athletes.

What are the symptoms associated with HCM?

  • Chest pain usually occurs with exertion however may occur with rest or after meals.
  • Heart failure symptoms such as shortness of breath and fatigue, especially with exertion, is most likely due to a backup of fluid into the lungs.
  • Syncope, passing out or fainting is seen with about 15 to 25 percent of patients with HCM. It may be secondary to irregular heart rhythms, abnormal responses during exercise, or no cause may be found.
  • Palpitations are a common symptom in patients with HCM. This sensation of fluttering in the chest is most likely due to irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias).
  • A small number of patients with HCM are at risk for sudden death.