Is hypertrophy a disease?
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a disease in which the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick (hypertrophied). The thickened heart muscle can make it harder for the heart to pump blood.
What does Hocm stand for?
This type of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy may be called hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM). HCM also may cause thickening in other parts of your heart muscle, such as the bottom of your heart (called the apex), right ventricle or throughout your entire left ventricle.
Why nitrates are contraindicated in Hocm?
Agents to reduce pre- or afterload (such as nitrate, ACE inhibitors, nifedipine-type calcium antagonists) are contraindicated with HOCM due to possible aggravation of the outflow tract obstruction. This often impedes therapy of coexistent arterial hypertension.
Who is at risk for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?
It can happen at any age, but most receive a diagnosis in middle age. It’s estimated that 1 in every 500 people have HCM, but a large percentage of patients are undiagnosed. Of those diagnosed, two-thirds have obstructive HCM and one-third have non-obstructive HCM.
What is hokum cardiology?
Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy (HOCM) is a cardiac abnormality which leads to the muscle in the wall of the heart growing and thickening to the point that it blocks blood flow exiting the heart.
What is the life expectancy of a person with cardiomyopathy?
The majority of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy have no symptoms and most have a near-normal life expectancy. In some cases, sudden cardiac death is the first symptom of the illness. Patients who have symptoms at a younger age often have higher mortality rates.
Why are vasodilators contraindicated in HCM?
Patients should be educated on the avoidance of certain medications (i.e., high-dose diuretics, vasodilators, inotropes) that may cause vasodilation, thereby exacerbating the degree of obstruction. In symptomatic HCM, goals of therapy include alleviating exertional dyspnea, palpitations, and chest discomfort.
How does beta blocker help HOCM?
Beta Blockers They prevent the worsening of obstruction that occurs with exercise, helping to decrease HCM symptoms. These medications work by blocking the hormone adrenaline from increasing the heart rate in response to stress or exercise, also known as the “fight or flight” reaction.