Overview of Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Antonis Pantazis, Consultant Cardiologist at the Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals and North Middlesex University Hospital in London, UK, and Chairperson of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Working Group on Myocardial and Pericardial Diseases, provided an expert insight into the various aspects of obstructive hypertonic cardiomyopathy (HCM) during an EMJ- conducted podcast.

Pantazis opened the podcast by providing a definition of HCM and describing this clinical condition, discussing the typical symptoms and diagnostic tests that can be performed. Pantazis then explained the demographics of those diagnosed with HCM, followed by the treatment options currently available, with the aims and limitations of these being described. Pantazis presented a case study of a female patient who was diagnosed with HCM following their sister’s diagnosis. They were initially reluctant to have surgery but changed their mindset as the symptoms of HCM progressed and became increasingly life-limiting. The podcast concluded with lifestyle recommendations for patients with HCM, including type and intensity of exercise prescription.