title: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment.
abstract: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is one of the most common inherited cardiovascular diseases and is characterized by a heterogeneous appearance and natural history. Although previously thought to be a disease of the young, HCM is frequently diagnosed in patients over age 50. A careful history and physical examination and readily available non-invasive testing will diagnose most cases, but genetic testing can identify those not expressing the typical phenotype. Treatment of symptomatic patients is targeted toward improving LV diastolic function; for patients with the obstructive form HCM, treatment involves relieving outflow tract obstruction. Identification of those at risk for sudden death may require consideration of prophylactic defibrillator placement.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Penn., USA.
authors.forename: Eric D
authors.initials: ED
authors.lastname: Popjes
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: St John Sutton
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000465:Algorithms; D001314:Auscultation / Q000379:methods; D002312:Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D002317:Cardiovascular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004452:Echocardiography; D004562:Electrocardiography; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D014694:Ventricular Outflow Obstruction / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D002317:Cardiovascular Agents