What to Expect With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Treatment

Treatment for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) typically involves a combination of medications, lifestyle changes, and sometimes surgical procedures. The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms, prevent complications, and improve overall heart function. Here's what you can expect with HCM treatment:

1. Medications:

- Beta-blockers: These medications slow down the heart rate and reduce the force of heart contractions, which can help relieve symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath.

- Calcium channel blockers: These medications relax the heart muscle and improve blood flow, which can also help alleviate symptoms.

- Disopyramide: This medication can help control abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) that may occur with HCM.

- Ivabradine: This medication can slow down the heart rate without affecting blood pressure, which may be beneficial for some individuals.

2. Lifestyle Changes:

- Regular exercise: Engaging in regular, moderate-intensity exercise, as recommended by your healthcare provider, can help improve heart function and reduce symptoms.

- Diet and weight management: Maintaining a healthy diet and managing weight can help reduce the strain on your heart.

- Stress management: Managing stress through techniques like relaxation exercises, yoga, or meditation can be beneficial for overall heart health.

- Avoiding certain substances: It is important to avoid certain substances that can worsen HCM, such as cocaine, alcohol, and tobacco.

3. Surgical Procedures:

- Septal myectomy: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove a portion of the thickened heart muscle (septum) to improve blood flow. This procedure is typically performed through a small incision in the chest.

- Transcatheter septal ablation: A less invasive procedure, this involves using a catheter to deliver radiofrequency energy to the thickened heart muscle, causing it to scar and reduce its thickness.

- Alcohol septal ablation: This is a minimally invasive procedure that involves injecting alcohol directly into septal arteries to cause scarring and reduce muscle thickness.

4. Regular Monitoring:

Your healthcare provider may recommend regular follow-up appointments, including physical examinations, echocardiograms, and electrocardiograms, to monitor your condition and assess the effectiveness of your treatment plan.

It is important to remember that the course of HCM and treatment can vary from person to person. It's crucial to follow your healthcare provider's recommendations and discuss any concerns or changes in your symptoms during follow-up appointments.