While it often does not cause symptoms, it can increase the risk of sudden cardiac death. As there is no cure for HCM, treatment focuses on managing its symptoms and risks. This article outlines the current therapeutic landscape for HCM.

Drug Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) Therapeutics

The mainstay drug therapies for managing HCM symptoms include beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers. Beta-blockers like metoprolol help slow the heart rate and reduce its contractility. This helps improve symptoms like chest pain and dizziness during exercise by making the heart work less hard. Calcium channel blockers such as verapamil also help decrease the force and rate of heart contractions. They are primarily used for people who cannot tolerate or do not respond well to beta-blockers.

Other medications that may be used include disopyramide, which helps improve the heart's rhythm and pump function, and diltiazem, another calcium channel blocker. Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers are sometimes prescribed to treating associated high blood pressure. The goal of pharmacological therapy is to improve symptoms without worsening heart function or obstructing blood flow within the heart.

Implantable Devices

For those at high risk of sudden cardiac death from Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) Therapeutics, implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are often recommended. An ICD is a small device placed under the skin that monitors the heart rhythm. If it detects a dangerous arrhythmia, it can deliver shocks to restore a normal rhythm. While not a cure, ICDs provide protection from sudden death in high-risk individuals.

Another device option is a cardiac resynchronization therapy pacemaker (CRT-P). It paces both lower chambers of the heart to improve their synchronized contraction and relaxation. This helps optimize the heart's pumping ability, which can alleviate symptoms for certain individuals with HCM. CRT-Ps may benefit those with intraventricular conduction delays.

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