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Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Last updated: May 20, 2026

Summarytoggle arrow icon

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common hereditary heart disease. HCM is characterized by unexplained hypertrophy of the left ventricle (LV) that leads to diastolic dysfunction. It is a leading cause of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in young athletes. While many patients are asymptomatic, common symptoms include exertional dyspnea and syncope, which are often exacerbated by exercise. Physical examination may reveal a systolic ejection murmur that increases with maneuvers that decrease preload (e.g., the Valsalva maneuver) and an S4 gallop. Diagnosis is confirmed with echocardiography, which typically shows an asymmetrically thickened LV wall, particularly the septum. Management consists of SCD prevention in high-risk individuals, and pharmacological treatment, e.g., beta blockers, nondihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (CCBs), which is indicated only for symptomatic patients. Invasive management, including septal reduction therapy, may be required for refractory obstructive HCM. It is crucial to avoid medications that reduce preload or afterload, such as nitrates and ACE inhibitors, in patients with obstructive HCM, as they can worsen the obstruction. First-degree relatives of patients with HCM should receive screening for HCM.

Definitionstoggle arrow icon

Epidemiologytoggle arrow icon

Epidemiological data refers to the US, unless otherwise specified.

Etiologytoggle arrow icon

Pathophysiologytoggle arrow icon

HCM is characterized by hypertrophy of the left ventricle; ; most commonly occurs with asymmetrical septal involvement, which leads to diastolic dysfunction (impaired left ventricular relaxation and filling) → reduced systolic output volume → reduced peripheral and myocardial perfusion.; cardiac arrhythmia and/or heart failure and increased risk of sudden cardiac death [5]

Nonobstructive and obstructive HCM [6]

HOCM [5][7]

Clinical featurestoggle arrow icon

Clinical features [1]

HCM is frequently asymptomatic; , especially if nonobstructive. The following features may be present:

Physical examination [1]

HOCM is a common cause of sudden cardiac death in young patients.

Diagnosistoggle arrow icon

Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) with Doppler is the primary imaging modality in most patients. Additional studies (e.g., ECG, cardiac MRI, exercise testing, and screening for CAD or genetic diseases) can be done on a case-by-case basis. [1][8]

Diagnostic criteria [1]

Both criteria must be met to make the diagnosis:

  1. LV nondilated hypertrophy (usually ≥ 15 mm in adults)
  2. Absence of other cardiac or systemic diseases that could explain hypertrophy (e.g., long-standing hypertension or aortic stenosis)

Transthoracic echocardiography with Doppler [1][8]

  • Indications
    • Initial assessment for suspected HCM
    • Repeat testing in patients with a new cardiovascular event or change in clinical status
  • Findings
  • Findings more specific to HOCM [1]
    • Asymmetrically thickened interventricular septum
    • Dynamic LVOT obstruction due to contact between the septum and mitral valve during systole
    • Obstruction is considered present if peak LVOT gradient is ≥ 30 mm Hg. [1]
    • Hemodynamically significant obstruction is considered if LVOT pressure gradient is ≥ 50 mm Hg.[1]

Asymmetrical septal thickening, dynamic LVOT obstruction by the mitral valve during systole, and LVOT pressure gradient ≥ 30 mm Hg are findings more specific for HOCM.[1]

ECG findings in HCM [1][10]

A normal ECG in patients with HCM is rare (5–25% of cases) and should prompt further evaluation . [1]

Chest x-ray

Exercise testing [1]

Provocation tests (e.g., exercise testing) are obligatory if no obstruction is discernible at rest.

Cardiac MRI (cMRI) [1][8]

Additional studies [1]

Treatmenttoggle arrow icon

Approach[1]

All patients [1]

Lifestyle changes for HCM

  • Avoidance of dehydration
  • Maintaining a healthy body weight
  • Avoidance of unhealthy alcohol use
  • Mild or moderate-intensity physical activity
  • Avoidance of situations that will likely cause vasodilation (e.g., high temperatures)
  • Individualized decision-making between the specialist and the patient about competitive sports participation

Patients with HCM may participate in strenuous physical activities after careful assessment by a specialist with experience managing athletes. [1]

Automated implantable cardioverter defibrillator (AICD) [1]

An AICD is considered for primary or secondary prevention of SCD in patients with HCM who are at high risk.

Risk of SCD in patients with HCM is higher in younger individuals and decreases with age. All patients with HCM should be periodically assessed for SCD risk factors and considered for AICD placement for prevention of SCD as needed. [1]

Symptomatic patients [1][8]

The goal is to alleviate symptoms of HCM by slowing the heart rate and LVOT.

Pharmacological treatment [1][8]

Cardiology consultation is advised before starting treatment.

Medications for HCM may cause arrhythmias (e.g, AV block, QT prolongation) or worsen LVOT obstruction symptoms in specific situations (e.g., hypovolemia).

Medications to avoid [1]

The following are relative contraindications. A risk-benefit assessment should be performed for each patient (e.g., considering acute complications such as heart failure or atrial fibrillation).

Positive inotropic and afterload-reducing or preload-reducing drugs (e.g., digoxin, nitrates, dihydropyridine CCBs, ACEIs) are contraindicated in patients with obstructive HCM. [1]

Invasive treatment [1]

These may be indicated for symptoms refractory to pharmacological treatment.

Complicationstoggle arrow icon

We list the most important complications. The selection is not exhaustive.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in childrentoggle arrow icon

Epidemiology

Etiology [16][17]

Congenital HCM due to hyperinsulinism typically resolves during the first year of life.[16]

Clinical features

Unlike DCM, progressive heart failure is not a common manifestation of HCM in children. [18]

Diagnosis [1]

Diagnostic evaluation may be performed in patients with symptoms suggesting HCM or as part of screening for the condition.

Clinical evaluation

Perform a comprehensive clinical evaluation in all patients, including:

Initial diagnostics

Additional diagnostics

Additional testing may be ordered by a pediatric cardiologist for further evaluation.

  • Cardiac MRI: to evaluate for alternative diagnoses or if echocardiogram is inconclusive for HCM [1]
  • Evaluation for underlying cause
  • Exercise testing
    • Indicated in all children with HCM who can cooperate with testing, regardless of symptoms
    • Assesses functional capacity and aids in SCD risk assessment

Management [1][18]

Management focuses on symptom relief and prevention of SCD. See "Screening for HCM" for management in individuals at risk for the condition.

Approach [1][18]

SCD risk assessment in children with HCM [1][18]

Management of HCM in children with symptoms

Cardiac myosin inhibitors (e.g., mavacamten) are reserved for adult patients, and the use of alcohol septal ablation is not advised in children. [1]

Do not use verapamil in infants < 6 weeks of age due to the risk of hemodynamic collapse and sudden death. [1]

Screeningtoggle arrow icon

Variant classification in index patients should be reassessed periodically, as reclassification may change screening recommendations for family members. [22]

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