Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy for Professionals
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or HCM is a primary myocardial disorder defined by left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy that cannot be explained by another cardiac or systemic disease. People with HCM face a risk of death more than 3 times greater than the average person of the same age without HCM.
Patients diagnosed with HCM are at increased risk for developing atrial fibrillation, suffering from stroke and even sudden cardiac arrest. It is estimated that 1 in every 500 people have HCM, but a large percentage of patients are undiagnosed. Learning more about HCM will ensure you are better able to discuss its impact with your patients.

HCM Webinar Series
With your help, patients whose lives have been restricted due to HCM may be able to reduce symptoms and comorbidities. Register today and increase your knowledge of the latest HCM science.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Podcast Series
Enhance and expand your understanding of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy so you are better able to discuss its impact with your patients. Listen, learn, and increase your knowledge of the latest HCM science.
What’s New When It Comes to Diagnosing and Treating Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Patients
Watch this video to find out from leading experts as they discuss the impact of the 2020 AHA/ACC Guideline for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Patients With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. Learn the latest on diagnostic and treatment options for patients, including new treatments on the horizon. Advance a new standard of care for patients with HCM.
Did you know?
It's estimated that 1 in every 500 people have HCM.
Watch the HCM Overview Webinar to learn more.Did you know?
Diagnosing HCM can be a challenge.
Listen to the Recognition, Diagnosis, and Differentiation from Other Types of LVH podcast to sharpen your skills.Did you know?
The office visit is an essential part of HCM disease management.
Listen to the Managing Symptoms and Expectations podcast to optimize clinical care.Do you know the markers of increased risk for Sudden Cardiac Death?
This and more covered in– SCD Prevention in HCM webinar.
Watch Sudden Cardiac Death Prevention in HCM



Guidelines and Articles
- 2020 AHA/ACC Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Patients with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Circulation. November 2020.
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy 2020 Clinical Update Slide Set (PDF)
- Gersh BJ, et al. 2011 ACCF/AHA Guideline for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Executive Summary: A Report of the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines. Circulation. 2011;124:2761-2796.
- Yield of Clinical Screening for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in Child First-Degree Relatives Evidence for a Change in Paradigm. Circulation, June 2020.
- Cardiomyopathy in Children: Classification and Diagnosis. Circulation, June 2020.
- Maron BJ. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. Circulation. 2002;106:2419-2421.
News
- 2020 AHA/ACC Guideline for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Patients With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy AHA Science News
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Guideline Encourages Shared Decision-Making - AHA Press Release
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Guideline Encourages Shared Decision-Making - AHA Press Release
- Deadly heart problem might not be so deadly AHA News, 2019.
- Genetic testing helps family uncover inherited heart condition AHA News, 2019.
HCM Patients
In speaking with patients who complain of symptoms consistent with HCM, ask if family members have been diagnosed with HCM, or if there is a family history of sudden cardiac arrest or died due to an unknown cardiovascular disease. When patients present with symptoms such as fatigue, fainting, shortness of breath, chest pain or heart palpitations without a known cause, suspect and test for HCM. With your help, patients whose lives have been restricted due to HCM may be able to reduce symptoms and comorbidities.

Download this free poster developed in collaboration with HCMA
Print this poster as a discussion guide for conversations with patients. As you talk with your patients use this as an educational tool. Early detection and disease/symptom management may help reduce some of the consequences of HCM and improve outcomes.
With your help, patients whose lives have been restricted due to HCM may be able to reduce symptoms and comorbidities.
AHA Guidelines On-The-Go mobile app
Access the 2020 AHA/ACC Guideline for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Patients with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and other guidelines on your mobile device anytime, anywhere! Download our free mobile app today and enjoy the benefits of staying up-to-date no matter where you are. Actionable at the point of care, users will be able to retrieve relevant pieces of content while also having access to additional support detail and evidence.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy - Sudden Cardiac Death Risk Calculator
This calculator is for use in calculating risk of sudden cardiac death in patients with HCM using the 2020 AHA/ACC Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Patients with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.
American Heart Association's Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Initiative is sponsored by Bristol Myers Squibb.