If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a newly released clinical guideline may change the way your condition is managed. Issued by the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA), this comprehensive update provides clearer direction for patients and their care teams.
Here’s what you need to know about how the new guidance could affect your care.
What Is Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)?
HCM is a condition in which the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick, making it harder for the heart to pump blood. It’s often inherited and can affect people of any age.
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What’s New in the 2024 Guidelines?
The latest recommendations are based on an extensive review of current research and focus on improving patient outcomes through:
1. Shared Decision-Making
Patients and doctors are encouraged to work together when making choices about treatment. Your personal goals, values, and lifestyle should shape your care plan.
2. Specialized Care Centers
While your primary cardiologist can start your treatment and continue regular care, referral to a specialized HCM center is recommended when more advanced support is needed. These centers have teams experienced in managing the condition’s complexities.
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3. Family History and Genetic Counseling
Because HCM can be passed down through families, a detailed family history is crucial. The new guidelines recommend:
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Discussing your family’s heart health history
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Considering genetic testing
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Talking to a genetic counselor about test results and what they mean for your family
4. Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD) Risk Assessment
One of the more serious risks in HCM is sudden cardiac death. The guideline stresses that:
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SCD risk is assessed differently in children and adults
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Not all patients are at the same level of risk
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Your cardiologist will evaluate risk factors like fainting episodes, family history, and abnormal heart rhythms
5. New Treatment Options: Cardiac Myosin Inhibitors
For patients with symptomatic obstructive HCM—where the thickened heart muscle blocks blood flow—new medications called cardiac myosin inhibitors are now available. These can help patients who haven’t found relief with traditional drugs.
6. The Role of Exercise
Exercise is not only safe for most patients with HCM—it’s beneficial. Stress testing may be used to assess your exercise tolerance and help guide a safe fitness plan.
Living With HCM: A Message of Hope
Dr. Steve R. Ommen, one of the lead authors of the guideline and a cardiologist at Mayo Clinic, emphasized that with the right care, people with HCM can live full, active lives. “We’re seeing more evidence that patients with HCM can return to their normal daily lives with proper care and management,” he said.
What Should You Do Next?
If you have HCM or a family history of the condition:
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Schedule a visit with your cardiologist to discuss how the new guidelines might impact your care
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Ask about genetic counseling for you and your relatives
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Discuss your risk for sudden cardiac death and whether you’re a candidate for new treatments
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Make a plan to stay active safely
Final Thought
These new guidelines mark an important step in improving how HCM is treated and understood. More than ever, individualized care and open communication with your healthcare team are the keys to managing HCM effectively.
