Unmet Needs in oHCM Care

This is a video synopsis of a discussion involving James L. Januzzi, MD, who addresses the unmet needs of patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). While advancements have been made in recognizing the risk for major adverse cardiovascular events, such as arrhythmia or sudden death, individuals with HCM still face challenges.

The obstruction of the left ventricular outflow tract creates a gradient, leading to systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve, mitral regurgitation, and impaired relaxation of the heart muscle. Current medical therapies, including calcium channel blockers, beta blockers, and disopyramide, often fail to adequately address these issues, leaving room for improvement in managing symptoms and enhancing quality of life.

Despite a normal lifespan, individuals with HCM may experience reduced exercise capacity and compromised health status. Invasive treatments, such as surgical septal reduction or catheter-based approaches, offer effective solutions but are irreversible and carry inherent risks.

The ultimate goal is to enhance background medical therapy to potentially reduce the need for invasive procedures and identify the most suitable candidates for such interventions. Moreover, there is a growing interest in developing therapies that not only alleviate symptoms in the short term but also alter the disease trajectory in the long run, reducing the risk of arrhythmias and other complications associated with HCM.

In summary, while current interventions provide some relief, there remains a need for further advancements in medical management to address the multifaceted challenges faced by individuals with obstructive HCM.

Video synopsis is AI-generated and reviewed by HCPLive® editorial staff.